The Changing Face of Checkout: How Coin Shortages are Reshaping Retail
Empire Kosher Supermarket in Crown Heights, New York, recently announced a new policy: rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents. This isn’t an isolated incident. it’s a symptom of a larger, ongoing national coin shortage impacting retailers across the United States.
The Root of the Problem: Why Are Coins Disappearing?
The coin shortage isn’t about a lack of coins being made, but rather a disruption in the circulation of coins. With more people opting for cashless transactions, coins were staying place in jars, wallets, and homes, rather than flowing back into the economy. This slowdown in circulation created challenges for businesses that rely on cash, particularly for making change.
Empire Kosher’s Solution: Rounding Up for Efficiency
Empire Kosher’s approach – rounding totals up – is designed to streamline transactions and manage the limited availability of change. Specifically, totals ending in .01, .02, .06, or .07 are rounded down, while totals ending in .03, .04, .08, or .09 are rounded up. Credit and digital payments remain unaffected, continuing to be processed to the exact cent.
This policy isn’t about increasing revenue; it’s about operational efficiency. The supermarket encourages customers who prefer exact change to employ digital payment methods or provide their own coins.
Beyond Empire Kosher: A Wider Trend
While Empire Kosher’s announcement is recent (February 17, 2026), the coin shortage itself has been a concern for some time. Other retailers have implemented similar rounding policies as a temporary measure. The situation highlights a growing tension between traditional cash-based transactions and the rise of digital payment options.
The Resilience of Crown Heights Supermarkets
Despite the coin shortage, Crown Heights supermarkets, including Empire Kosher and The Marketplace, report being fully stocked with food and goods. This demonstrates the community’s ability to maintain supply chains even amidst broader economic challenges.
The Future of Cash: Will Coins Become Obsolete?
The coin shortage is accelerating a trend already underway: the decline of cash. While cash isn’t going away entirely, its role in everyday transactions is diminishing. The convenience and security of digital payments – credit cards, mobile wallets, and online transfers – are increasingly appealing to consumers.
Did you know? Empire Kosher Supermarket in Crown Heights is open 24 hours every Thursday and until 12 AM every other day.
What This Means for Consumers
Consumers can expect to see more retailers adopting similar cash-rounding policies, at least in the short term. It’s a good idea to be prepared to use digital payment methods or have exact change when shopping. The shift also encourages a broader conversation about financial inclusion and ensuring access to digital payment options for all.
FAQ
Q: Why is there a coin shortage?
A: The shortage is due to disruptions in the circulation of coins, with fewer coins returning to the economy as more people use digital payment methods.
Q: How does Empire Kosher’s rounding policy work?
A: Cash transactions are rounded to the nearest $0.05. Totals ending in .01, .02, .06, or .07 are rounded down, while totals ending in .03, .04, .08, or .09 are rounded up.
Q: Are credit card payments affected?
A: No, credit card and other digital payments are charged to the exact cent.
Q: Are Crown Heights supermarkets fully stocked?
A: Yes, supermarkets in Crown Heights, including Empire Kosher, report being fully stocked.
Pro Tip: Consider using a rewards credit card for your purchases to earn cashback or points.
Want to stay informed about the latest retail trends and local news? Join our WhatsApp community!
