Mercadona’s trial checkout rule could mean lifting everything, including heavy items, onto the belt

Mercadona is testing a new checkout system in Spain that may require shoppers to lift heavy items themselves before paying for their groceries. At a trial store in San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Madrid, customers are instructed to remove everything from their trolley and place it on the conveyor belt, regardless of the item's size or weight.

This includes heavy items like six-bottle packs of sparkling water and large water containers that are typically left in the trolley during the scanning process. The trial aims to ensure that the trolley is completely emptied and to verify that all items are accurately charged. While Mercadona has not set a weight limit for the conveyor belts, the system could pose challenges for those with bulky purchases, as moving heavy items onto the belt may be difficult and potentially hazardous.

Mercadona has stated that workers will assist customers who struggle with the unloading process, indicating that the company is aware of the practical difficulties this change may pose.