Target stores have implemented a major change to their self-checkout process.  Effective March 31, 2024, the number of items able to be purchased at self-checkout is 10 items or less. Some stores may also close down the self-checkout lanes during certain hours, depending on the amount of foot traffic.  

The reasons given by Target for this self-checkout change is that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The majority of checkout lanes at Target moved to self-checkout lanes during the pandemic because customers wanted a contactless shopping experience. Now that the pandemic is over, Target wants to revert back to the original model of cashiers checking out a large share of its customers.

Target has stated that they had piloted the 10 items or less self-checkout lanes at stores this past fall with favorable outcomes. Customers will be able to proceed through the self-checkout lanes much faster.  Customers coming in for a few quick items can go through the self-checkout lane efficiently while customers with a cart full of items can have a cashier assist them with checkout.  

Target will have a higher number of trained team members on staff, resulting in more cashier-manned checkout lanes being opened. 

 “Checking out is one of the most important moments of the Target run, and we know that a fast, easy experience –whether at self-checkout or the lanes staffed by our friendly team members – is critical to getting guests on their way quickly,” the company said in the announcement.

Though Target did not mention theft as a primary factor for this change in self-checkout lanes, many retailers have cited theft as a major problem for retailers. By limiting the number of items at checkout, shoplifting could be better controlled. If the number of items able to be shoplifted in the self-checkout is decreased, the occurrences of shoplifting should decrease as well. 

Other major retailers, including Walmart, have begun reevaluating their self-checkout lanes. Because there are few team members around to help customers or resolve technology issues at the self-checkout lanes, shoplifting has become a concern.  

Sophomore Jonathan Squires said, “The change to self-checkout makes good business sense, but I would prefer to self-checkout whether it’s 10 items or more.”  

It seems employing more team members and making the self-checkout lane more of an express lane is sensible, but many still prefer contactless shopping.