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A SHOPPER has called others out for not being able to use self-checkout but many argue that the system has a major flaw.
In recent years, many retailers have turned to using self-checkout instead of traditional cashier lanes, however, it has seen a rise in theft and organized crime.
Customers are also divided on the use of the machines, with some finding it gets them out of the store quicker while others say they’ve run into major glitches that ruin the shopping experience.
“It is 2024, how do people not understand how to use self-checkout?” wrote an X user named Danielle.
Her tweet received a few comments but others didn’t agree with her as many shared the struggles they’ve had with the tech.
“It drives me nuts!” wrote one person. “The grocery store is the worst.”
“I put the burden on the company and their checkout method,” wrote another person.
“I shouldn’t have to search for the specific type of apple I’m trying to buy.”
Another shopper shared that they sometimes have issues with certain parts of the self-checkout process.
“The bagging portion slows me down,” they wrote. “Those bags must be designed to stay closed.”
Another wrote: “It’s not even offered where I live anymore because of all the theft. It’s ridiculous.”
NEW STORE POLICIES
It comes as several major retailers have announced major changes to self-checkout.
Target began turning toward self-checkout during the pandemic when many shoppers preferred the contactless option.
However, in a recent statement, the company said those views have shifted and they’ve been listening to shoppers’ concerns.
“Today, ease and convenience are top of mind, so, to learn more about guests’ self-checkout preferences, we piloted the concept of Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at about 200 stores last fall,” read a release earlier this month.
The result of this change was that self-checkout was reportedly twice as fast at the pilot store.
“By having the option to pick self-checkout for a quick trip, or a traditional, staffed lane when their cart is full, guests who were surveyed told us the overall checkout experience was better, too.”
Because of this feedback, the retailer said it would make updates chainwide beginning on March 17.
Express Self-Checkout would be rolled out across all stores nationwide, however, more traditional lanes staffed by workers are also expected to open as well.
“We’ll continue evolving to match guests with the right checkout options so they can get what they need — alongside same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pick Up, and Target’s same-day delivery,” the release read.
“It’s all in service to demonstrate the convenience, joy, and value of the Target run.”
DIALING BACK
Meanwhile, Dollar General announced that it will remove self-checkout from 300 stores to curb theft and provide better customer service.
The retailer also said it would limit self-checkout to purchases of five items or less at 4,500 stores in an earnings call earlier this month.
CEO Todd Vasos said changes need to be made due to its current “shrink” levels.
“We believe these actions have the potential to have a material and positive impact on shrink,” he said, per CNN.
Vasso reportedly brought up “shrink,” an industry term for loss of inventory due to theft or damaged items, about 37 times during the call.
Dollar General said it would remove self-checkout from stores that had the highest rates of theft.
“We believe there is truly no substitute for an employee presence at the front end of the store to greet customers and provide excellent customer service, including at checkout,” Vasos told Business Insider.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Target and Dollar General for comment.
