A TARGET shopper criticized the chain over its self-checkout policy that was implemented across its store network.
The perplexed customer even said he would rather wait in line at Walmart.
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Target bosses have rolled out their self-checkout expressway concept in a select number of stores in a bid to improve customers’ in-store experience.
A spokesperson previously told The US Sun that the policy was being tested to reduce wait times and understand guest preferences.
This concept has been implemented across the country and signs inform customers of the policy change.
But, despite the bosses’ intentions, it was not well received by all buyers.
One buyer asked the company to open more traditional checkouts if it insisted on enforcing the 10-item limit at self-checkout stations.
“I would rather shop at Walmart than wait more than 10 minutes with 11 items because of their strict inspection policy,” they posted on X.
Shoppers even alleged that workers yelled at them over the items in their carts or baskets when they approached the self-checkout machines.
A self-checkout user was angered by having 13 items in her cart when she was apparently reprimanded.
She shared a copy of her receipt on Facebook and the basket of products included typical groceries like lettuce and yogurt.
“I had small items that took me two seconds to scan,” she said.
The shopper admitted she had no idea that only 10 items or less could be scanned at the self-service kiosks.
The policy sparked so much outrage that it prompted shoppers to threaten to boycott the retailer.
Meanwhile, others said they abandoned their carts during a shopping trip.
Target isn’t the only retailer that has implemented measures when it comes to the number of items a customer can scan at self-checkout.
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.
ShopRite customers complained that they could not scan more than 20 items at self-checkout.
They even suggested a strategy that could help them get around the measure.
The US Sun reported how a ShopRite customer was forced to count the items in her cart to prove she had not exceeded her item limit.
Schnucks self-checkout users also complained that they were blocked from scanning more than 10 items.
The policy went into effect on February 1st.
When the policy was introduced, network bosses said it was designed to improve efficiency in combating theft.
“When self-checkouts were first introduced, they were intended for smaller orders,” said a spokesperson Progressive Grocery Store.
“Over time, larger orders began to go through self-checkouts and we hope to resolve this concern.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
