Rival retailers like Walmart are seeing a boost thanks to Target's new self-checkout policy. Shoppers are urging Target to consider their straightforward suggestions amidst the controversy.
Frustration Mounts Over Target's Checkout Changes
Many shoppers are voicing complaints about long lines at Target stores, where what should be quick trips often stretch into lengthy waits due to insufficiently staffed registers to accommodate customers unable to use self-checkout.
The U.S. Sun revealed that some customers report incidents where employees expressed dissatisfaction with how many items they attempted to self-checkout.
As frustration grows, Walmart and other competitors are seeing a rise in business.
One shopper expressed disappointment on Facebook, stating that their local Target was worse than Walmart, with minimal registers open and limited self-checkout options. They mentioned shopping more frequently at Walmart.
Another shopper mentioned preferring to use self-checkout with fewer items due to long lines at Target, impacting the store's revenue.
Amidst declining loyalty to Target, many shoppers urge the retailer to consider their solution. Suggestions included removing self-checkouts and hiring more cashiers, as one commenter on Facebook indicated.
Another suggested hiring additional cashiers, recounting a busy Sunday with only two registers open, resulting in lengthy lines and overwhelmed self-checkout lanes. A third shopper expressed frustration with the scarcity of open registers, advocating for increased cashier availability.
Backlash Grows Over Target's Self-Checkout Policy
Earlier this year, Target introduced an "enhanced self-checkout experience" across its 2,000 stores.
Target's attempt to improve efficiency through this change has faced criticism from customers who are now turning away from the retailer.
In March, Target implemented an Express Self-checkout policy, limiting self-service kiosks to a maximum of 10 items. As Target's website explained, the new "convenient" shopping experience introduced express self-checkouts, but only for purchases with ten items or less.
Shoppers exceeding this item limit are required to use a manned checkout.
While Target claims the change streamlines checkout processes, shoppers have expressed discontent.
Target Theft: Woman Uses Self-Checkout
In related news about Target's self-checkout, in May this year, ABC News reported that Aziza Graves, a 43-year-old San Francisco resident, was found guilty of stealing merchandise valued at over $60,000 from the Target store at Stonestown Galleria.
According to San Francisco District Attorney's Office officials, Graves allegedly made more than 100 visits to the store between October 2020 and November 2021.
Authorities stated that Graves would enter Target, select items from the shelves, and proceed to the self-checkout counter. Instead of paying the full amount, she would scan each item and insert a small sum, like a single coin or bill, before leaving the store.
During their investigation, law enforcement surveilled Graves as she left Target with unpaid goods, which she then sold at UN Plaza to buyers of stolen items.
Meanwhile, other retailers' self-checkout adjustments, driven by efforts to combat theft, have led to accusations of "corporate greed" from customers who feel burdened by added responsibility.
According to one Facebook user, the stores are at fault for not hiring more staff.
Commentators have labeled it corporate greed, arguing that retailers expect customers to handle responsibilities without compensation, which they believe results in financial losses.
Critics argue that retailers are reluctant to open additional manned registers and instead experiment with self-checkout systems, only to discover financial losses and revert to previous policies.
Related Article: Shoppers Demand Self-Checkouts at Aldi Amid Long Lines, But Not Everyone Agrees
