We support our Publishers and Content Creators. You can view this story on their website by CLICKING HERE.

A slew of new Target self-checkout rules has shoppers across the country pounding their fists in livid frustration.

As of March 17th, every Target store manager now has the authority “to set self-checkout hours that are right for their store,” according to an official policy declaration.

“The move is in response to store managers wanting time to set up the machines at the start of the day and time to shut them down at the end. At these times, they need to also cash up and sort out stock – and it is thought the self-checkouts can be a distraction,” according to the Daily Mail.

The problem is that some managers are closing the self-checkout kiosks too early, which is leading to long wait times for customers.

Case in point:

Target has also limited self-checkouts to customers with no more than 10 items to purchase. Furthermore, at least one Target store has instituted a new rule barring those under 18 from entering its stores without an adult present.

“[A] Target location in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington is now implementing a stricter policy, mandating that anybody under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the store,” The Street reported this week.

Because the store is in D.C., it also reportedly has a number of items under lock and key.

Target isn’t the only store making abrupt changes.

“We’ve decided to remove self-checkout lanes and replace them with staffed lanes at select locations, including at our Shrewsbury, Missouri, store,” a Walmart spokesperson said this week in a statement to The National Desk.

“These decisions were based on several factors, including feedback from associates and customers, shopping patterns and business needs in the area. We believe the changes will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service,” they added.

Critics for their part believe the real reason for this move is crime:

Last up is Dollar General, which said in March that it’d reduce self-checkout options at most of its locations and remove self-checkout entirely from the 300 locations most affected by shoplifting.

Dollar General also said it would add more staff to the self-checkout area to provide assistance.

“While self-checkout has contributed to the convenient proposition for our customers in certain stores, it does not reduce the importance of a friendly, helpful employee who is there to greet customers and assist while the checkout process is happening,” Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said during an earnings call in December, according to Retail Dive.

Vivek Saxena
Latest posts by Vivek Saxena (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.