Consider the last time you visited Walmart or any similar big box store. Were your items scanned by a cashier or did you have to use self-service?

Self-service checkout lanes have grown in popularity in recent years; nevertheless, not everyone has welcomed technological advancements, resulting in numerous customer complaints.

Those who dislike self-checkout may be pleased to read that some large shops are considering reducing the number of self-checkout lanes.

According to CNN, self-checkout lanes first appeared in the 1980s and gained in popularity throughout the 2000s before booming during the pandemic.

The initial concept was to reduce labor costs, and later during the epidemic, self-checkout lanes assisted in minimizing interactions between personnel and customers.

While many people like the convenience of scanning their own products, others complain about having to do what used to be the responsibility of a store clerk.

In addition to an increase in complaints, retailers have seen an increase in losses owing to customer error or stealing.

According to a 2016 survey, merchants with self-checkout lanes and apps experienced a 4% loss rate, which is more than double the industry average.

While retailers have taken additional efforts to protect themselves from shrinkage, some intend to eliminate self-checkout lanes entirely.

Earlier this year, some Walmarts in New Mexico removed self-checkout lanes, and a ShopRite in Delaware did the same after receiving too many complaints.

Wegmans used to allow customers to scan and pay as they shopped in its stores, but the app has since been removed.

In addition, to combat non-members using cards that do not belong to them, Costco has added more staff near their self-checkout lines.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of self-service checkout lanes being phased out?

I don’t mind them, so I’m hoping most stores keep a couple on hand. Let us know what you think in the comments.