A SHOPPER called out Target over one of its self-checkout policies.
They were frustrated by the restrictive requirement on how customers pay for their merchandise.
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At many of Target’s 1,956 stores nationwide, some self-service kiosks have signs that inform customers that only credit or debit cards can be accepted for payment.
There are usually others where dollar bills are allowed, but some stores maintain the card-only self-checkout area.
A customer apparently found himself at a Target location where self-checkouts were card-only recently and criticized the retailer for limiting some cash-only customers.
“Hey @Target, just doing your self-checkout lines card is really annoying and pointless,” they wrote in a publish for X, formerly Twitter.
Target quickly responded to the complaint.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by paying with cards,” replied the company’s official account.
The retailer requested that the customer send a private message with more information about the situation so that it could relay the feedback to the local store where the shopper was.
It is unclear whether the customer has reached out.
While they’re not the first customers to be upset about card-only checkouts, many Target shoppers are furious about other self-checkout policies implemented this year.
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Several were particularly upset by Target’s decision to permanently implement a 10-item or fewer restriction in self-checkout areas in stores.
It had been testing the “express” self-checkout update since late 2023, but confirmed the policy would be rolled out nationwide in March. Press release.
While Target introduced the change to make the self-checkout process more efficient and reduce inventory loss due to the possibility of fewer items being scanned incorrectly, there have apparently been some negative consequences.
Many fans cited long lines and insufficient checkout lines to offset the influx of shoppers with more than 10 items who would otherwise have used the self-checkout area sooner.
One fan recently said that Target “needs a better strategy” than limiting items or closing self-checkout altogether in some cases.
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.
Some customers were so upset by the lines that they abandoned their items and fled the store.
COMPETITOR’S FIGHTS
Others threatened to boycott the retailer and turn to competitors.
In fact, many shoppers are coming from Walmart to Target in hopes of a better self-checkout experience.
While Walmart customers don’t have a 10-item limit, they were faced with a self-checkout change that locked kiosks to Walmart+ and Spark Drivers subscribers.
Now some former Walmart fans are saying “Target can take my money” and leaving for good.
Others went out and left a cart full of groceries at Walmart in favor of Target.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
