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A TARGET shopper has sarcastically railed against the chain’s self-checkout policy.
The furious customer urged the popular retailer to change their strategy and look at models rolled out by wholesalers.
A shopper has blasted Target’s self-checkout policy[/caption]
They urged the chain to take a page out of Sam’s Club playbook[/caption]
Target has come under fire after bosses implemented sweeping self-checkout changes.
Only shoppers with 10 items or less in their cart can use the self-service machines.
But the policy has left some shoppers incandescent with rage.
“Not sure who has the great idea of making your self-checkout lines just 10 items or less and have only one cashier line open for the rest,” a shopper posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Should take a look to Sam’s Club model [sic].”
Target trialed the policy at a number of stores before implementing it across the board.
The express self-checkout concept was rolled out at 200 stores last fall.
A Target spokesperson previously told The U.S. Sun that the system was being rolled to cut waiting times and understand guest preferences.
The express self-checkout concept is now a feature at thousands of stores but bosses said they intended to open more traditional checkout lanes.
Store managers can open and close checkouts at times most suited to their outlet.
“We’re also continuing to invest in additional training to ensure that our teams can continue to provide great guest service during the checkout,” a Target spokesperson said.
But not all shoppers have welcomed the move.
Customers have fumed over long lines, even abandoning their carts in frustration.
The U.S. Sun has approached Target for comment.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Meanwhile, Sam’s Club bosses are working to ensure the checkout process is seamless.
Members can use the scan-and-go service via the in-house app.
This service is used by around one in three Sam’s Club shoppers, the company announced.
Shoppers can check out the items as they go about their shopping trip.
They also pay for their shopping via the app, rather than waiting in line at the checkout.
NEW SYSTEMS
Sam’s Club shoppers then head to the exit where they show their receipts on their cell phones to a staffer.
But the chain is even rolling out technology that expedites the checkout process.
Bosses are rolling out scanning machines that automatically verify the items bought by shoppers.
Plans to introduce the technology were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show held earlier this year.
The machines have been installed at around 120 stores but bosses want to get these into all Sam’s Club warehouses by the end of the year.
The concept eliminates workers having to check receipts.
