Why does wal-mart have over 30 register lanes but only handful open?

Question

Everytime I go to Wal-Mart they have only a handful of lanes open when extra long lines. Why even build those extra lanes if they never use them? It is much worse the later it gets as well. I've even seen them shut a lane down while having extra long lines! I avoid that place at all costs, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet.

Answer 1

During the holidays, they're busy so they have those extra lanes.  It's crazy at Wal-Mart around Christmas time and Thanksgiving.  It can get packed there so there are those extra lanes.  They might shut a lane down because there's something wrong with the cash register, the cashier is also a CSM, or that cashier has to go on break/clock out.  You can't miss your breaks or you'll get into trouble, maybe terminated, and you can't really go overtime unless you need too.  There could be something wrong in that lane or something.

Sometimes I think they need to hire more people or have more people come in but they don't always call more people to come in.

Answer 2

For peak periods like Christmas shopping season.

If you're repeatedly waiting longer than you should, it's due to mismanagement by the store, in keeping costs down over potentially losing customers who won't wait beyond a certian point.  I'm one of those. I rarely enter their door

Answer 3

a lot has to do with emergencies i'd guess, but some may also have to do with just taking up space, less places for people to just walk out and leave. it's look conspicuous to walk through an empty lane. but i've been at a wal mart in new york that had all but maybe 10 lanes open. (of like 50)  that was one of the most crowded places i had been in in awhile. and it was 2 stories. but i think all those lanes are a bit excessive too

Answer 4

If anyone can give a good answer to this question, I will give them 10 points too!!!!  This is a really great question, but I don't think anyone knows that answer.

Answer 5

glad to hear that our store isnt the only one that has a shortage of cashiers....okay i can put it simple but youre going to think im crazy....the corporation (home office) doesnt feel that that particular store needs more cashiers.therefore your floor associates and dept managers are not allowed to get their work done,because they have to constantly try to help the cashiers (ever wonder why the shelves are empty and/or you cant find a floor associate?)...and your right its gotten worse..every year our store gets less and less associates even though on a average we are still making better sales than the last year.whats worse is we are getting blamed for not getting things done even though we are told we have to go help on the register....dont get me wrong we are happy to have a job,but moral is sinking quickly in our store.the only thing i can suggest is call 1-800-walmart and complain about the store,but that doesnt do much good since our store still has had the same problem for years..and it hasnt improved.you can try writing them,you can try this link http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.g...