ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – In response to evolving consumer preferences, a Walmart in Shrewsbury, Missouri, has begun the process of removing its self-service checkout lanes this weekend. The retail giant aims to provide a more personalized service by reintroducing staffed checkout lanes.
The initiative reflects Walmart’s commitment to improving shopper satisfaction and efficiency at the point of sale. This transition is scheduled to be completed within the next two weeks, signaling a significant shift in the store’s operational approach.
This move by Walmart aligns with a broader trend among major retailers who are rethinking the effectiveness of self-checkout systems. For instance, Target recently adjusted its policy to restrict self-checkout to purchases of 10 items or less nationwide, enhancing service for customers with larger baskets by adding more cashier-manned lanes.
Furthermore, Dollar General has also taken steps to address challenges associated with self-checkout by eliminating them in 300 stores identified with high theft rates, as reported by CNN last month. In other locations, the company is limiting self-checkouts to customers with no more than five items.
Industry insights suggest that the absence of staff at self-service lanes can inadvertently facilitate theft, making supervised checkouts a safer bet for retailers, as noted by Fast Company.