For years, Walmart has been at the heart of a retail debate that nearly every shopper has weighed in on: self-checkout. Whether you found it convenient or frustrating, these machines became a staple across stores nationwide. But now, Walmart is making a bold pivot—phasing out many self-checkout lanes in favor of a more human-focused approach.
The Self-Checkout Dilemma
Originally designed to streamline shopping, self-checkout promised shorter lines and lower labor costs. But in reality, many shoppers encountered frozen screens, mis-scans, and the dreaded “unexpected item in bagging area” alert. For those buying more than a few items, the process often felt slower—not faster.
Security concerns also loomed large. Studies show that self-checkout systems are more vulnerable to theft, whether accidental or deliberate. Even with surveillance, the honor system has its limits—and for Walmart, those losses have added up to billions annually.Continue reading…