Millions of Walmart customers who shop online could face paying more, according to a leaked memo.
A document, seen by Business Insider, has suggested shoppers may have to pay for substitute groceries they receive when a particular product is unavailable.
Walmart customers were previously shielded if their item wasn’t available.
They would only pay the price of the product that they had originally ordered as opposed to the price of the substitute.
It’s reported that the retailer’s pricing policy will be updated in weeks.
The document reportedly states: “Moving forward customers will pay the list price for specific substitution items made on their order.”
Bosses say customers will have greater control over what items to receive as substitutions.
And, customers will have the choice to opt out entirely of receiving swaps or on a product-by-product basis.
A Walmart spokesperson told Insider: “This flexibility is an important part of how we continue to give our customers more control over their pickup and delivery experience.
“In addition, we’ve made the decision to start charging for any item substitutions within these orders – a standard practice in the industry.”
The potential major policy change comes after bosses revealed dozens of stores across Ohio will be updated as part of an $85million renovation project.
Bosses at the retailer say more self-checkout lanes will be available and customers will be able to advantage of features such as Walmart Pay, improving their experience.
Customers will be able to take advantage of the new self-checkout machines that are being installed, but there will be more manned tills.
Shoppers will be able to use Walmart Pickup – a tool that allows customers to order their groceries online before heading to their local store to collect them.
Staffers bag the items so patrons do not need to leave their cars.
New lights and signs will also be installed and bathrooms will be modernized, The Repository revealed.
Adonis Clark, the Regional General Manager at Walmart, said: “Our local stores have never been more important to the way we serve customers today and, in the future.
“These investments will make it easier for our stores and associates to get customers what they want, when they want it.”
Walmart is also upgrading three of its stores in Puerto Rico with up-to-date technology.
Bosses plan to add more self-checkout points, as well as roll out curbside pick-up.
Walmart’s Public and Government Affairs Director Ivan Baez told News is my Business: “This year, we started revamping the stores in Carolina, Fajardo, and Cayey.”
He expects the stores to be completely revamped within the next two months.
I cannot imagine letting someone else choose my produce and meat… I like to look at it before I choose which one I want to buy… I’m also a bargain hunter and store employees aren’t going to do that for me… Doing your own shopping is the best thing…
People need to get off their lazy arses and go do their shopping in person instead of “shopping” on line (and taking retail associates’ jobs away.) That way, they can decide if what they want isn’t in stock to buy something similar or not buy the item at all. Sorry, Truth Press, not newsworthy.
More self-checkout points. Means less checkers working to save money. But we will not save any money doing all the checkers work at self check outs. Self check should give us a 10% discount for doing their work for them. I always go to a check stand since I’m being charged for the service in their pricing and they do the bagging! Imagine if people stopped using self check until they got a 10% discount for doing their work for them!
Walmart thinks by adding more self check outs will impress us?? I hate them. Why should I check out my own items and bag them when I’m being charged for it? This is just BS/ They are doing this to get rid of more employees who’s salaries have gone up. I’m getting sick of Walmart’s BS and excuses. Your prices are going up and I can go to Amazon and get it cheaper and faster and never have to bag it myself.