Target has made a change to what was once seen as a quick way for its customers to buy things in its stores.
The retail giant revealed on Thursday, through a press release, its decision to transition from regular self-checkout to express self-checkout. This revamped concept will cater specifically to customers with 10 items or fewer.
Effective as of Sunday, March 17, this shift applies to most of Target’s 2000 locations across the nation.
In the announcement, the company recognized how much customers depended on self-checkout during the pandemic because it’s contactless.
Discussing the move on “Good Morning America,” Dominick Reuter, a senior reporter at Business Insider, highlighted potential challenges associated with the change.
“One of them is this funny little notion called partial shrink,” he elaborated.
Reuter also added “Which is when a shopper perhaps either accidentally or intentionally doesn’t scan all of the items in their order. So, some of the stuff goes out the door without having been paid for.”
Target had previously piloted the new self-checkout system at around 200 stores last fall before rolling it out widely, as detailed in the release.
The company shared insights gained from the test phase, telling “GMA,” “We did see a reduction of theft in our test stores, but the program wasn’t directed in targeting theft even though we did see it was reduced.” to ABC News
Target emphasized that the transition aims to enhance efficiency and boost the widespread customer experience.
The decision follows similar moves by other retailers such as Dollar General and Walmart, who have recently reduced their self-checkout stands in stores.
Dollar General made headlines last week by announcing the complete removal of self-checkout options in 300 of its “highest shrink” stores.
Meanwhile, Walmart’s adjustment to its self-checkout offerings prompted feedback from customers on social media. One frustrated user expressed their dissatisfaction with the company’s changes in a TikTok video.
In response to inquiries from ABC News, Walmart clarified its stance, stating, “During these times of limited access, some stores are designating select self-checkout stations for Walmart+ customers using our Scan and Go service and Spark drivers for faster access and delivery options.”
