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Original poster

Matalan… what’s that all about?

54 replies

Itsokay2020 · 04/04/2022 16:12

Following on from the WHSmith thread, it got me thinking about my recent experience of Matalan. Not a shop I visit often, but I wasn’t expecting to literally walk in, find my items, go to the till, scan the labels, remove the security tags, fold the items and place in my carrier bag. It felt really weird, behind the tills were a wall of storage boxes and the whole place seemed like a hybrid warehouse that allowed the public in, but only if they didn’t need any assistance from staff!

I saw one or two staff members, and it really struck me how lonely it must be to work in retail where shops are run on skeleton staff. I worked in retail back in the mid-90’s whilst at uni and loved it! We always had lots of staff on shift and I loved the interaction with customers (tbf I mostly worked in shoe shops!).

If you work in retail, do you prefer these new business models?

OP posts:
Puddington · 04/04/2022 19:24

I hugely prefer self-service checkouts, probably as I worked in retail for years and hate speaking to people now Grin Bit annoying when the till has an error though.

Puddington · 04/04/2022 19:24

Also have to say I've never encountered a Matalan that needed a card, even years back!

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 04/04/2022 19:56

I haven't been to Matalan in years. I wouldn't have an issue with scanning my own purchases - I do that in supermarkets - but what on earth is the point of getting you to remove the security tags yourself? How does that prevent theft? It sounds like putting heavy, secure locks on a prison cell but then giving the prisoner the keys.

Tesco and Asda have 'smart' security stickers, which will beep if the item is stolen, but automatically deactivate once the item is paid for - that makes a whole load more sense.

liveforsummer · 04/04/2022 21:00

@BarbaraofSeville

I've never understood why you're not allowed to buy from them without a membership card. It otherwise appears to be similar to other low priced clothes chains.
You've not needed a card for about 10 years 😆. Can get vouchers etc via email or app. Also always a human behind the gills on my local as they are needed for click and collect. I tend to go to them for purchases also
Startuplife · 04/04/2022 21:03

Zara has started with this self service thing as well. It was fun scanning and searching for the tag to take off the first item, by the 6th I was ready to walk out without my purchases.

SirSamVimesCityWatch · 04/04/2022 21:20

Upside, I accidentally shoplifted a dress from there a few months back. I had a three year old with me, a shit load of clothes I needed to buy (works four day trip, short notice), it was busy, I was trying to make sure DD didn't bolt, trying to get stuff off hangers, trying to find the fucking tags, get things vaguely folded and in bags, stop things falling on the floor... I scanned it, detagged it, packed it with the rest but only realised when I got home the scanner hadn't picked it up. I decided it was my payment for doing the job of a till assistant for them. I did wonder if there would be a rise in shoplifting losses, and if those would still be offset by the money saved in wages.

Laiste · 04/04/2022 21:43

I'm damn sure the last time i went in Matalan they asked for a card.

It was xmas before last i think. Northampton.

I'm amazed it's still 'alive'. To me it's one of those shops which looks great at first glance and then has nothing i need/want when i get into the nitty gritty.

Usingit · 04/04/2022 21:50

When they first did your card it probably about in the 80s, they took your photo, it was like a driving licence or work ID and I'm sure you had to pay for it

Laiste · 04/04/2022 21:54

I think i had to pay a fiver for mine, (90s?) but it didn't have a photo.

honeybeesknees · 04/04/2022 21:54

Missing the point completely, but I love Matalan. Their baby and kids clothes are great, and our local one, although massive, doesn’t feel warehouse-y at all.

Usingit · 04/04/2022 22:04

It was quite exclusive in the 80s, a bit like the Next directory, well I thought it was, probably because you had to be a member, though of course anyone could be a member if they wanted. I'm sure I remember it being a bit like TK Maxx and they had some cheap designer suitcases and stuff like that. I haven't been for years now

MrsJBaptiste · 04/04/2022 22:21

We always get asked for our card in our Matalan (Leeds)

Celiamary · 04/04/2022 22:24

Not bought anything there for years. They used to be extremely good value for some things. Made money buying their shares early as well.
Still using PJs from 20yrs, ago. 2nd replacement elastic needed in trs though.

Ducksurprise · 04/04/2022 22:28

What's this folding you talk about? Scan detag and stuff surely.

But pp is right. It is our fault and the repercussions will be immense.

AngelinaFibres · 04/04/2022 22:54

@FourChimneys

I have a policy of not using self service checkouts if at all possible. It's important for people to have checkout jobs available, and for some customers it might be the only human interaction they get all day.
In wilko there is always a person on a till and then 2 or 3 self service tills. I use the self service tills because they are easy to use. There is usually a long queue and people are asked if they want to use self service or not.I leave the manned till for people who aren't comfortable serving themselves. It makes the queue shorter.
MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 04/04/2022 23:05

They used to send out a catalogue to members in the 90s

We used to call it the Matalogue

Thesearmsofmine · 04/04/2022 23:11

I went in last week for the first time in a couple of years and couldn’t believe that it has changed so there are no proper tills, I hate the way shops are doing this and I won’t be going back.

SquirrelG · 04/04/2022 23:43

Self check out gives me the rage. You can bet the staff cuts are not passed on in cheaper goods when you are the staff at checkout yourself. Just more shareholder profits.

I agree, and will not use self-check out myself. We pay an ever increasing fortune for goods, damned if I'm doing the work as well!

liveforsummer · 05/04/2022 04:03

@MrsJBaptiste

We always get asked for our card in our Matalan (Leeds)
That's if you have one and wish to use it. Like they'll ask you at Tesco or sainsburys for your club card or nectar. You don't need it to make a purchase
frenchfancy81 · 05/04/2022 04:05

@BarbaraofSeville

I've never understood why you're not allowed to buy from them without a membership card. It otherwise appears to be similar to other low priced clothes chains.
That went out years ago- normal now!
EthelsAuntie · 05/04/2022 04:17

I really like Matalan for pjs, kids clothes and home wear. I also got some ok everyday type leggings that haven't gone super thin in days. I'm not a fan of the self service tills though. I struggled getting the security tags off and had to call for assistance for more than one item. I would much rather have someone else do that for me.

Usingit · 05/04/2022 05:58

I always try not to use self checkout, though its getting harder in some shops, if shops continue to do this I will just buy more online and that means that Amazon will profit instead.

Tlollj · 05/04/2022 06:12

One of the best bras I ever had was from matalan. Just fitted perfectly.
I haven’t been for years still got some towels from there too I think.

NewName9273 · 05/04/2022 06:35

@timeforteaforyouandme

Decathlon is the best I think! In ours you drop the items into the till box and it magically knows what you're buying. Well not magic obvs
Decathlon is complete wizardry. I have no idea how it works !
HumbugWhale · 05/04/2022 06:43

Our local B&Q has got rid of its self service tills! No idea if this was in response to feedback but I was very pleased to see it.

Haven't shopped in Matalan for probably 20 years due to the appalling customer service last time I was there, well before the self service check outs started!