Trusting the punters

The Lithuanian supermarket chain 'iki' (short for 'iki pasimatymo' = 'until we meet again') is introducing self-checkouts. While quite common out west, in the FSU this is a huge step in the question of trusting their customers.

In Lithuania we have had supermarkets for a long time, and people are used to them. The large ones always have a security guard by the entrance, but that's ok. In countries like Georgia and Tajikistan however the concept of people helping themselves seems to be quite scary stuff. While some supermarkets, such as Goodwill and Populi in Georgia are ok with this (though they are really quite expensive), in the smaller ones which are not part of a chain, you often feel like a conjoined twin when you enter. A staff member attaches themselves very closely to you and watches everything you do. As one who values her personal space (and acres of it) this really gives me the creeps. Sometimes I have to grin and bear it. I am told that maybe they are trying to be helpful - I'm not so sure. I wonder, though, whether any losses through theft might not be deducted from the employees' wages - in which case I suppose it might be understandable.