Target announces changes to its self-checkout lanes

Busy self-checkout versus busy cashier checkout at Target Store, Queens, NY. (Lindsay Nicholson/UCG/Universal Image Group via Getty Images)

Target is rolling out new changes to its self-checkout lanes that limit the number of items customers can purchase.

Starting March 17, express self-checkout lanes will debut in nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. The new lanes allow customers to purchase 10 or fewer items for the company Announce Thursday.

Store leaders will have the flexibility to open more lanes as needed, but Target announced that express self-checkout lanes will be open during the busiest shopping times.

Consumers and businesses have a complicated relationship with self-checkout lanes. a The study was published in February 2021 It found that 67% of shoppers said they had experienced failure while using a self-checkout machine.

Retailers have also shared that installing the machines can be expensive and lead to higher rates of shoplifting than traditional payment methods, according to Atlantic Ocean.

Despite the difficulties, they can still be found at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Dollar General.

As for Target, the retailer is still investing in human cashiers as well as self-checkout lanes.

“We are opening more traditional aisles staffed by our team members in all of our stores for guests who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand, or just enjoy connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner.” A press release said.

“We are also continuing to invest in additional training to ensure our teams can continue to provide great service to guests at checkout.”

Target customers can also get their daily essentials without entering a physical location through Drive Up and same-day delivery services.

Customers can also benefit from the company's order pickup services.