Target Customer Fears Shopping After Less-Than-Ideal Checkout Experience

A FURIOUS Target customer has admitted she now fears shopping at the chain following a less-than-ideal checkout experience.

The shopper is just the latest of a slew of customers who have blasted bosses over a range of issues relating to self-service machines.

A Target shopper has blasted the chain’s checkout policies (stock)
Credit: Getty

Target has consistently come under fire over rolling out self-checkout-related policies.

Chelsea hit out at the company on X, taking aim at bosses allegedly forcing shoppers to use self-service machines rather than regular checkout lanes.

“You need to make sure you have all the stations up and running all the time,” she said.

Chelsea claimed that waiting for checkouts has become longer than her actual trip.

“I actually dread going to Target now because waiting to checkout takes longer than my shopping trip,” she said.

A Target spokesperson responded to her complaints and issued an apology.

“We know how important it is for a speedy checkout and would like to share your feedback,” they said.

Self-service machines have been a constant in retail outlets and grocery stores for decades.

One of the perks of the technology is that it’s supposed to be a quicker way of checking out items for shoppers who are in a rush.

But shoppers have complained about the long lines that have emerged at checkout stations.

Retailers such as Target have implemented policies designed to ensure self-service stations remain efficient.

Company chiefs piloted an express checkout system last year, meaning self-checkout machines could only be used by shoppers with 10 items or less in their carts or baskets.

This policy has since been rolled out across the nation.

Checkout Changes

In a statement, bosses acknowledged they wanted to provide shoppers with a fast and easy experience.

The express checkout system was just one measure promised by execs.

They revealed extra traditional checkout lanes would be opened, benefitting those who perhaps don’t like using self-checkout machines.

Managers were also given the power to introduce self-checkout hours to benefit respective stores.

Not all shoppers have welcomed the in-store changes, however.

Latest Self-Checkout Changes

Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.

Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.

Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.

While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled 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 stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.

However, that test run has been phased out.

At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.

Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.

As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.

Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.

The U.S. Sun has reported how some shoppers have been left baffled by the policy.

Meanwhile, others have been left so infuriated that they threatened to boycott the retailer entirely.

One customer claimed that the policy has made shopping worse rather than better.

Another said trips that should take just five minutes have turned into a 25-minute ordeal.

Schnucks had implemented a similar policy, but it has since been loosened.

Now, the self-checkout limit has been increased to 15 items from 10, according to the NBC affiliate KSDK.

Item limits have been introduced at certain Walmart stores, but the policy has not been rolled out on a national scale.

Conclusion

The introduction of self-checkout machines has been a mixed bag for shoppers, with some praising the convenience and others criticizing the long lines and limitations. As retailers continue to evolve their self-checkout strategies, it’s clear that there is still much to be learned about how to make the experience efficient and enjoyable for customers.

FAQs

Q: Why have some Target stores limited the number of items that can be purchased at self-checkout?
A: The policy is designed to ensure that self-checkout stations remain efficient and to reduce wait times for customers.

Q: Will Walmart’s item limit policy be rolled out nationwide?
A: No, the policy has only been introduced at certain Walmart stores and has not been rolled out on a national scale.

Q: How do I know if my local Target or Walmart store has implemented an item limit policy?
A: You can check with your local store or visit their website to find out more information about their self-checkout policies.