Target Scales Back Self-Checkout Amid Theft Concerns and Customer Feedback

Target limits self-checkout to 10 items or less and denies it's due to theft concerns amid some reports it plans to get rid of self-checkouts altogether

Target has recently implemented significant changes to its self-checkout policy, limiting usage to customers with 10 items or fewer. While the company cites internal studies indicating improved customer satisfaction as the primary reason, industry experts suggest that rising retail theft is a major factor influencing this decision.

The retailer has faced substantial losses due to "shrink," a term encompassing shoplifting and inventory errors. In 2023 alone, Target reported nearly $500 million in shrink-related losses compared to the previous year.

Customers have expressed frustration over the new policy, noting longer wait times and reduced convenience. Many prefer the autonomy and speed of scanning their own items and are disappointed by the limitations imposed.

Target is not alone in reevaluating its self-checkout strategy. Other major retailers, including Walmart and Dollar General, have also scaled back or modified their self-checkout options in response to similar challenges.

According to Fox 4 News out of Dallas, Texas :

A Reddit user named @jxbermudez72 posted a photo of a local store with a gaping space where self-checkout machines once stood.

"The Target I live near completely got rid of self checkout," the user wrote.

On X, another shopper vented, "Target is turning into Walmart. Sixteen lanes. One cashier. Mile-long line for self-checkout. Why?!"

Many customers say they prefer the autonomy and speed of scanning their own items. One Redditor wrote, "That’s a shame. I hate having to go through a manned register. I prefer self-checkout every time."

Despite the backlash, Target is not the only retailer taking a red pen to self-checkout.

As the retail landscape evolves, Target's adjustments reflect a broader industry trend of balancing technological convenience with loss prevention and customer satisfaction.