Walmart and Target limit self-checkouts as customers grow frustrated

13 March 2024 , 17:55

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Self checkouts could become harder to use (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Shoppers are disgruntled as some Walmart and Target stores are changing the way they operate self-checkouts amid high rates of theft and crime, including limiting the scan-yourself registers to paid app subscribers and delivery drivers – depending on the time of day and how busy the store is.

Popular groceries, clothing and homewares store Target says the company is closing some self-checkouts as one of "a number of tests" the company is trying potentially to protect profits. Meanwhile, Walmart says its strategy of opening self-checkouts based on staffing and customer demand is nothing new.

While retailers have not confirmed if these changes are crime-related, they come as stores nationwide continue to try and manage high levels of theft and organized crime as the cost of living soars. Experts say technology that relies on shoppers to do their own scanning and punch in product quantities tempts even law-abiding citizens to be dishonest because it is made easier to just scan every other item or apply false discounts.

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Walmart has not explained changes (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

While self-checkouts became essential with the labour shortages that came about because of the Covid-19 pandemic, self-checkout was first tested in supermarkets in the late 1980s, becoming prevalent 20 years ago. In 2021, 96% of retailers surveyed offered self-checkout and self-checkout usage represented a whopping 30% of transactions, almost double from 2018, according to a survey of retailers by FMI, an industry group.

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Just last fall, Walmart removed self-checkout kiosks in three stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of a location by location approach. They have claimed these decisions are not a security precaution, however.

Walmart gave FOX the following statement: "From time-to-time, our stores adjust the use of staffed checkouts and self-checkouts. For example, a store might start or end the day with staffed checkouts. As the number of shoppers and associate staffing increases, these stores open self-checkout registers to manage the increased customer flow. This process isn’t new.

It may now take longer to pay in some stores (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"During these times of limited access, some stores are designating select self-checkout stations for Walmart+ customers using our Scan and Go service and Spark drivers for quicker access and delivery services. This decision is intended to better manage checkout availability."

Target did not announce that it was closing or limiting self-checkouts, but when asked about their status and reports that self-checkouts have been closed or limited at some stores, Target released the following statement: "In select stores we are piloting a number of tests to determine their impact on the overall guest experience. These tests vary by location."

Imy Brighty-Potts