I ventured into Tesco armed with a crisp £10 note, only to discover the ‘madness’ awaiting me! With a mission to snag some lunch, I found myself at the mercy of a new cashless system at their cafés. They’ve taken an unexpected turn – over 40 of these massive stores no longer accept cash payments!
Arriving at the Oldham superstore’s café, I was greeted by four touchscreen self-service machines, which were surprisingly easy to navigate. I smoothly ordered a delicious ham and cheese toastie paired with a frothy latte. Despite my initial hesitation, it was all straightforward until… the time came to pay. A shortfall for cash users, the café only accepted card or contactless payments.
Chatting with the helpful staff made the experience pleasant, albeit the eerie quietness hung in the air. For those not clutching a card or phone ready to pay, options were limited – a concern for many shoppers who prefer those comforting chats while paying cash.
The shift towards cashless has stirred debate. Some see it as a cost-cutting evolution, others a bonkers decision that risks distancing older customers who cherish their daily interactions. Critics argue this move is isolating, especially for those less comfortable with technology.
While some major retailers are embracing similar models, they assure patrons that assistance is available for anyone struggling with the new system. Yet, for many, the absence of cash transactions feels like a backward step in a world craving personal connection. How do you feel about this leap into tech-savvy shopping? Is it convenient or just plain daft? Share your thoughts!