Target is rolling out new changes to its self-checkout lanes that limit how many items customers can purchase.
Beginning on March 17, express self-checkout lanes will debut at nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. The new lanes allow customers to purchase 10 items or less, the company announced Thursday.
Store leaders will have the flexibility to open more lanes as needed, but Target announced those express self-checkout lanes will be open during the busiest shopping times.
Consumers and businesses have a complex relationship with self-checkout lanes. A study published in February 2021 found that 67% of shoppers said they had experienced a failure while using a self-checkout machine.
Retailers have also shared that installing the machines can be expensive and lead to higher shoplifting rates than traditional checkout methods, according to The Atlantic.
Despite the hardship, they can still be found in stores like Walmart, Costco and Dollar General.
As for Target, the retailer is still investing in human cashiers in addition to self-checkout lanes.
“We’re opening more traditional lanes staffed by our team members across all 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 news release said.
“We’re also continuing to invest in additional training to ensure that our teams can continue to provide great guest service during the checkout.”
Target customers can also get their daily essentials without walking into a physical location through Drive Up and same-day delivery services.
Customers can also utilize the company’s order pickup services.
