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Supermarkets Like Atacadão, Assaí, and Carrefour Must Comply With Rule Requiring Price Checkers to Be Located Just a Few Meters From Products

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 31/12/2025 at 14:28
Updated on 31/12/2025 at 16:03
Leitores de preços fazem parte da rotina em supermercados grandes e permitem conferir valores a poucos metros do produto antes de chegar ao caixa.
Leitores de preços fazem parte da rotina em supermercados grandes e permitem conferir valores a poucos metros do produto antes de chegar ao caixa.
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Common Equipment In Aisles Helps Consumers Check Prices Before Reaching The Checkout And Is Part Of The Expected Functioning In Large Supermarkets In Brazil.

Those who walk through the aisles of large supermarkets may have noticed small totems fixed to columns or near shelves, with a screen and a barcode reader.

These devices allow consumers to bring the product close and check the price registered in the system before heading to the checkout.

This feature is part of the operation adopted in Brazilian retail whenever the supermarket uses barcodes as the primary method of price identification.

Self-Service And Price Consultation During Purchase

In self-service stores, such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and wholesale stores, customers choose items directly from the shelves.

In these cases, the prior consultation of the price has become an integrated element of the shopping experience.

Price readers appear precisely to meet this everyday need, especially in environments with a wide variety of products and frequent price changes.

Where Readers Are Commonly Located Inside The Store

In practice, readers are usually distributed throughout the sales area.

They appear in strategic locations, such as main aisles, areas near promotional products, and places with high customer traffic.

The operation is simple.

By bringing the product’s barcode close, the display shows the price registered in the store’s system.

This type of consultation helps consumers confirm values, compare similar options, and decide to purchase with more confidence.

Proximity Between Product And Reader Facilitates Checking

Price Readers Are A Part Of The Routine In Large Supermarkets And Allow Checking Prices Just A Few Meters From The Product Before Reaching The Checkout.
Price Readers Are A Part Of The Routine In Large Supermarkets And Allow Checking Prices Just A Few Meters From The Product Before Reaching The Checkout.

An important aspect of this operation is the proximity between the product and the available reader.

The standard adopted in Brazilian retail expects these devices to be positioned so that consumers do not have to travel long distances to check the price.

In larger stores, this means distributing readers throughout the aisles, considering the actual path taken by the customer between shelves, promotional islands, and highlighted areas.

Visibility And Signage Of The Equipment

In addition to location, the reader needs to be visible and accessible.

Usually, there is signage indicating where the equipment is installed, facilitating identification even from a distance.

When the reader is functioning properly, it becomes a practical tool during shopping, preventing the consumer from solely relying on memory or labels that may go unnoticed.

Importance Of Readers During Promotion Periods

The presence of these devices becomes even more important during promotions, sales, or frequent price adjustments.

In these situations, the reader serves as a quick verification point, reducing doubts and potential surprises at checkout.

It also assists in comparing brands, sizes, and different versions of the same product.

Reader Complements, But Does Not Replace The Price Tag

Even with available readers, price information continues to appear on shelves, labels, or signs near the products.

The reader acts as a visual complement.

It does not replace the basic price identification but reinforces transparency by allowing direct verification in the store’s system.

This combination facilitates the decision-making process during purchase and makes the process smoother.

Price Readers Are A Part Of The Routine In Large Supermarkets And Allow Checking Prices Just A Few Meters From The Product Before Reaching The Checkout.
Price Readers Are A Part Of The Routine In Large Supermarkets And Allow Checking Prices Just A Few Meters From The Product Before Reaching The Checkout.

Consumer Experience In Large Stores

In large supermarkets, where foot traffic is intense and the physical space is ample, the proper distribution of readers directly influences the customer experience.

When the equipment is distant or hard to find, the consultation becomes less practical.

On the other hand, when it is well-positioned and signposted, it becomes a natural part of the shopping journey.

Use Of The Reader Before Reaching The Checkout

Many consumers use the reader especially before heading to the checkout.

Others prefer to check prices while selecting items, avoiding carrying products that may later be set aside.

In both cases, the equipment fits into the logic of self-service, where the customer controls a significant part of the shopping journey.

Price Checking And Price Discrepancies

The use of the price reader is also connected to situations where there are discrepancies between prices displayed on promotional signs and the price recorded in the system.

The direct consultation allows identifying these situations while still in the aisle, before finalizing the purchase.

This reduces rework, lines, and inquiries at checkout.

Discreet Equipment, But Present In Daily Life

Because it does not attract as much attention as other elements in the store, such as offers and displays, the price reader often goes unnoticed.

Still, it is part of the expected structure in supermarkets that adopt barcodes as the primary price reference.

Its silent presence contributes to a clearer relationship between the consumer and the establishment.

On your next trip to the supermarket, have you noticed if there is a functioning price reader near the products you usually buy?

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7 Comments
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Jaqueline
Jaqueline
06/01/2026 11:44

Tem mercado que nem tem ou o produto não está cadastrado!!!

Armando
Armando
03/01/2026 06:30

Nesses Atacarejos é surreal a falta de respeito com o consumidor, quando se tem o produto em gôndola , o preço simplesmente não existe , e muitas vezes o preço está lá solitário (produto inacessível inclusive aos olhos…) em dias de promoções (tablóides) não existe a decência de por produto á disposição, quando tenho tempo, pego um produto equivalente e vou ao caixa para pagar o valor do produto em promoção ( não é raro as vezes que o produto em questão aparece rapidamente ….

jusley Ewerton
jusley Ewerton
02/01/2026 20:45

Legislação INFELIZ. 1. Com leitor fica mais fácil de reajustar os preços. 2. Se o valor do verificador dor diferente da etiqueta física, valerá a etiqueta ou verificador, se valer a etiqueta, qual a finalidade do leitor? 3. Isso só FAVORECE quem vende os equipamentos que agora serão OBRIGATÓRIO. será que não e de algum POLITICO ou Parente? COMPLICADO o estado inventa cada coisa pra se ocupar e não FAZ O BÁSICO pra controlar a si mesmo. Eitha Braziiiuuuuu!

Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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