SHOPPERS are blaming long lines on Target’s new self-checkout policy.
Target pilot tested the limit of ten items or less for self-checkout last fall.
The retailer found that self-checkout was twice as fast and began implementing the change across all stores in March.
Despite the time that has passed, customers are still having problems with the policy.
The tracks are supposed to be “express,” but buyers say they are anything but fast.
“Hey Target, if your self-checkout has 10 items or less, open more than one register,” wrote Josh Morton (@live sports) on X, after waiting an hour.
“I’m done with this business.”
Target apologized and asked him to message him to resolve the issue.
When the retailer first implemented the policy, it said it would open more traditional staffed lanes for customers with larger purchases.
Customers begged Target to make good on that promise.
“If Target is going to ‘force’ people to use human checkout – instead of self-checkout – they need to open up more than two lanes,” said shopper Gina Giordano wrote in a Facebook post.
Another customer said a shopping trip that would normally take five minutes was now taking 25 because of the policy.
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Target was outraged when it announced it would no longer accept checks last month.
Checks were used in just 3% of transactions in 2023, according to the Federal Reserve.
Due to “extremely low volumes,” Target stopped accepting checks on July 15th.
The retailer said it took “several steps” to notify guests in advance, but some customers still experienced issues.
“Target, hey, you changed your policy so we can’t pay your card with a check two weeks ago and you never emailed about it,” the shopper wrote on X.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at several locations were made available only to Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed at specific times and more cashiers were offered in its place.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting would fuel the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would thwart fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, this test has been discontinued.
At Target, items are being limited in auto-checkout.
Last fall, the brand researched new express self-checkout lanes in 200 stores with 10 items or less for added convenience.
In March 2024, this policy was expanded to 2,000 stores in the US.
Shoppers also identified their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.
“Great job. I’m glad I had some money on me, but am I going to get interest on this? That’s bullshit.”
The store apologized and said it began alerting customers about the change on June 16.
Other customers said the move would hurt Target in the long run.
“I’m saddened by so many elderly buyers and organizations, clubs, etc. who buy there. I love Target, but I think this move will ultimately hurt them,” one shopper commented on a Facebook post.
A Target shopper was shocked when a checkout error left him paying 70% more for an item.
The only Target in a busy city is closing, leaving customers with no place to shop.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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