How CVS Pharmacy pissed away 45 dollars today.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (239033)
Walnut Creek, California
July 18, 2026 7:01pm CST
I went to a big chain drug store today to get some hair clippers and some bug spray. I found the items I wanted and looked for a live check-out person.
There was none.
But there were four of those check-out kiosks, side-by-side, like slot machines.
I scanned my first item The right price came up on the screen. I scanned my second item. The machine froze.
Then I saw a light spinning around on the top of my machine. A bot voice said "Please wait. Someone will be with you shortly."
Nobody showed up.
After about three minutes of waiting, I placed my items neatly in the"bagging area" and left the store.
Broken kiosks and being understaffed--a bad combination.
Will this chain survive?
14 people like this
13 responses
@teamfreak16 (44482)
• Denver, Colorado
19 Jul
Sounds like the one in Downtown Denver. 
4 people like this
@teamfreak16 (44482)
• Denver, Colorado
19 Jul
@TheHorse - CVS. Yeah. Seems like every time I go in there, the only ones actually working are the security guards.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (239033)
• Walnut Creek, California
23h
@teamfreak16 A Rite Aid near us recently shut down..It was the same there.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175891)
• United States
19 Jul
Yes, they'll survive. There are LOTS of people just like you who will use a bad store anyway, even if they have to put up with malfunction machinery.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (175891)
• United States
19h
@TheHorse So CVS lost $45 from you. You're just one person in a world of people who a malfunctioning machine didn't affect... Honestly, how is CVS being damaged? The next guy will just wait for that ONE cashier that is still working at CVS to come and help him.
3 people like this
@TheHorse (239033)
• Walnut Creek, California
9h
@DaddyEvil It's a matter of statistics.If I was adversely affected, others will be too. If it's only one in ten customers, that is still a substantial loss for CVS.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (53240)
• Mojave, California
23h
That does not bold well for the future.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (210868)
• United States
19 Jul
Well, that's annoying in most stores that offer self checkout they have a cashier hanging around by the check out area to help confused customers.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (137632)
• Marion, Ohio
11h
I never use self checkout so would have left without trying
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (137632)
• Marion, Ohio
3h
@TheHorse I refuse to be forced. If they want my business they will pay someone to check out my stuff or give me a discount for working for them
@RasmaSandra (99166)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3h
You did the right thing and I think they have a bit problem on their hands,
