Grocers say the law that used to require them to label each individual item was passé
L'ANSE -- Six months after the state passed the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act, Thursday, the law officially took effect. That means grocers are no longer required to individually mark the price of each store item. Many feel unaffected by the new legislation, while others fear it could have some consequences.
U.P. grocers seem to be happy with the new "Scanner Law," and they're sticking by it. They say the law that used to require them to label each individual item was passé.
"There are 50 states, and only two states, as far as I know, Michigan was one of them, that price, so what does that tell you?” said Joe Campioni, co-owner of Pat’s Food in L’Anse. “I think it's long overdue.”
The legislation only requires that prices be listed on store shelves and takes one thing off grocers' to-do list. Pat's Food in L’Anse says they'll save 20-30 hours a week.
But with less work to do, some employees fear for the fate of their jobs. Will their hours be cut? Will their position still exist?
A lot of local grocers, like Pat’s Food, say they're not using the slashing of stickers to also slash employees. They're using it as an opportunity to improve their service.
“It will create more time to pay attention to detail in the store, to build displays, customer service,” Campioni said. “Everything’s a win for us, and I believe for the customer, too.”
On Thursday, most said they didn’t even notice the stickers are even gone; only a handful were aware of their disappearance.
“I don't mind a bit that the prices are just listed by the product,” said Janet Magnant of L’Anse.
Day one of the Scanner Law may have gone smoothly, but only time will tell if it will stick.