"VAR" Cameras At Tesco Self-Checkouts Spark Customer Amusement

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

4.1

Share

VAR Cameras at Tesco Self-Checkouts Spark Customer Amusement

Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, has unintentionally become a source of widespread amusement after customers noticed the presence of what appear to be "VAR" cameras at their self-checkouts. The resemblance to the Video Assistant Referee system used in football (soccer) has led to a flurry of online jokes and social media posts, with shoppers likening the experience to a high-stakes penalty shootout.

The cameras, which are in fact standard security cameras, are positioned above the self-checkout screens, their prominent placement and slightly angled view giving them an uncanny resemblance to the technology used to review contentious refereeing decisions in football matches. This similarity hasn't been lost on Tesco customers, who have taken to Twitter and other platforms to share their amusement. One tweet, which quickly went viral, showed a picture of the camera with the caption: "Tesco's new self-checkout VAR system. No arguments about forgotten items!"

The Rise of the "Tesco VAR" Meme

The unexpected comparison has quickly spawned a meme, with numerous variations appearing online. Images depict self-checkout scenarios with humorous captions referencing VAR decisions: "VAR review: Item not scanned. Penalty: £2 extra." or "VAR confirms: That was definitely a bag of crisps, not a banana." This lighthearted approach highlights the absurdity of the situation and reflects the public's engagement with the familiar football technology.

The unexpected popularity of the "Tesco VAR" meme speaks volumes about the public's creativity and their ability to find humor in everyday situations. It demonstrates how easily a seemingly mundane aspect of daily life – a trip to the supermarket – can be transformed into a source of online entertainment.

Tesco's Response (or Lack Thereof)

Tesco is yet to publicly comment on the viral sensation. This silence, however, has only fueled the online conversation, with many speculating about the supermarket giant's reaction to the unexpected publicity. Will Tesco embrace the meme, perhaps even incorporating it into their marketing strategy? Or will they quietly adjust the camera positioning to avoid further amusement? Only time will tell.

The Importance of Security in Retail

While the "Tesco VAR" situation provides a much-needed dose of lightheartedness, it also highlights the crucial role of security technology in modern retail. Self-checkouts, while offering convenience to shoppers, are also vulnerable to theft and fraud. The cameras, despite their humorous association with football, serve a vital purpose in deterring such activities and protecting both Tesco and its customers. [Link to an article about retail security technology]

Conclusion: A Goal for Tesco's PR Team?

The unexpected viral success of the "Tesco VAR" meme presents a unique opportunity for the supermarket chain. By acknowledging the online conversation and responding with humor, Tesco could capitalize on this unexpected publicity and reinforce its brand image in a positive and engaging way. Whether they choose to embrace the "goal" or not remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the "Tesco VAR" cameras will remain a topic of conversation – and amusement – for some time to come. Let us know your thoughts on the situation in the comments below!