In a move mirroring Target’s recent adjustments, Walmart has begun implementing restrictions on self-checkout lanes in select stores nationwide, as reported by Business Insider.
Reddit users have been quick to notice the changes, with some Walmart locations now reserving self-checkout lanes exclusively for Walmart+ subscribers or Spark delivery drivers.
Sharing their observations, one Walmart employee revealed on Reddit, “At my store we have 10 self checkouts and 6 are dedicated for spark drivers/walmart plus members – 4 for spark and 2 for plus.”
Another employee noted a stricter approach, stating that their store has initiated limits on the number of items customers can check out via self-checkout lanes.
Acknowledging the adjustments, Walmart confirmed to Insider that certain store locations are “temporarily testing different checkout staffing options.” Store managers are reportedly exploring various strategies tailored to customer shopping habits, feedback, and operational requirements.
This strategic shift follows in the footsteps of Target, which recently caught attention for scaling back self-checkout operations in certain stores. Reports surfaced last month of reduced operating hours for self-checkout lanes, prompting criticism from customers on social media over extended wait times at cashier checkout lanes.
Responding to inquiries, Target informed on February 16th that it was “piloting a number of tests to determine their impact on the overall guest experience” in select stores.
Walmart’s move is part of a broader trend in the retail industry to address concerns surrounding self-checkout systems. Last year, Costco revised its self-checkout operations by increasing staff presence to monitor and scan ID cards after discovering instances of nonmembers exploiting the system.
The shift towards more monitored checkout processes comes amidst significant financial losses incurred by the retail sector due to shoplifting. In 2022 alone, the industry faced staggering losses of $112.1 billion attributed to theft.
A recent survey conducted by LendingTree sheds light on consumer attitudes towards self-checkout technology. It revealed that 69% of Americans who utilize self-checkout machines believe they contribute to shoplifting incidents.
Furthermore, the survey found that 15% of consumers admitted to intentionally stealing an item while using self-checkout, with only 33% of those incidents resulting in detection. Additionally, 21% reported inadvertently taking an item, of which 69% chose to retain the item rather than return it.
As retailers like Walmart and Target adapt their checkout processes to mitigate losses and enhance customer experiences, the future of self-checkout in the retail landscape remains a topic of ongoing exploration and adjustment.
