People love to grumble about supermarket self-service machines. In fact 93% of UK shoppers claim to find them frustrating. But while consumers rant and rave when surveyed, statistics show that more people are using self-service than ever before. So do we really hate serving ourselves?

Efficient supermarkets are great for the younger crowd – but they’re robbing the elderly of a social pastime that many depend on. With advancements in technology minimising human interaction in the name of efficiency, ‘slow aisles’ are defending a social space for seniors.

Has e-commerce killed the high street? Online sales are rising, but 70% of UK students still prefer brick-and-mortar stores. The issue is confused. In an attempt to crack it, we sat down with retail expert John Ryan to ask how and why stores can retain their custom.

Self-service gets a mixed reaction. While almost half of 18- to 24-year-olds say they rarely feel frustrated by it, 84% admit they often need assistance from staff. Can Näraffär Viken – a Swedish supermarket that has no employees – prove that convenience rules in the supermarket aisles?