Retailer BIG Box Target has taken several steps to improve the efficiency and security of its self-checkout.
However, many buyers did not easily accept the new policies.
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One of Target’s newest rules involves limiting how many items shoppers can pick up at kiosks.
Starting March 17, customers will only be able to scan 10 or fewer items at automatic checkout.
Although the change was intended to improve efficiency and customer experience, the restriction generated a significant backlash on social media.
User X complained that he was forced to double-check the number of items in his cart.
“The checkout clerk at the Danvers, MA store made me count my items to prove I only had 10. Ridiculous. If I had 11, would I have to get out of line?” they questioned.
Target’s customer service page chimed in to explain the policy.
“I understand how frustrating this can be. We have a limit on how many items can be purchased at self-checkout. We would direct you to the register if you exceed the maximum item quantity,” they wrote.
However, the buyer was still frustrated with the rule.
She pointed out that there were six self-service checkouts open and no one else in line.
“I said we had exactly 10 items. She made me count them to prove it. So yeah, that was ridiculous,” she concluded.
SELF-CHECKOUT CHANGES SCHEDULE
Target’s 10 items or less policy dates back to last October, when the retailer implemented the rule in select locations.
Then, on March 17 of this year, the retailer expanded the self-checkout policy in almost all of its 2,000 stores across the country.
Also in March, Target confirmed that some locations were testing the switch to manned cash registers.
“Select stores are testing removing self-checkout and instead adding more people to help,” the retailer shared on X.
“Others restrict use to 10 items or less. We’re working to find the right fit.”
The removal of self-checkout is being implemented at new locations, including a Target store in Emeryville, California, where the change took place this month.
Target also began reducing machine hours in February.
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 upgrades, 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.
Several shoppers on Reddit noticed that the kiosks in their stores were only open from 10am or 11am to 8pm, despite the store being open from 7am or 8am to 10pm.
Target employees confirmed the reduced hours with Business Insider and shared the main reasons being store staffing levels and sales volumes.
High self-checkout theft also played a role in the policy change.
In other retail news, Walmart shoppers are furious about store layout changes — but help may be on the way.
Plus, a former Dollar Tree employee shares the specific aisle to watch out for — or shoppers will miss out on tons of “hidden gems.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
