Target’s New Self-Checkout Policy May Effect The Way You Shop

Last week Walmart made some bold moves with their self-checkout policy where they may begin charging to use their self-checkout registers.

As you can imagine, people were not happy about the new policy.

And now, Target has released a new self-checkout policy too that may effect the way you shop there.

Target’s New Self-Checkout Policy 2024

In a recent press release, Target made the announcement that beginning March 17, 2024 Target stores nationwide will now limit shoppers to 10 items or fewer in the self-checkout lane.

We’re rolling out Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at most of our nearly 2,000 stores nationwide.

Target Press Release

Now, if you are wondering if this is going to make lines longer and make it less enjoyable to shop with a cart full of items at Target, Target seems to have plans to elevate that stress.

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.

Target Press Release

Why Target is Changing Their Self-Checkout Policy

Just like with any major retail change, there’s always speculation as to why a company puts such policy into place. Some may say it’s to reduce theft, Target shared their reasoning behind their decision saying:

During the pandemic, many guests preferred using self-checkout for all their purchases because it offered them a contactless option. Today, ease and convenience are top of mind, so, to learn more about guests’ self-checkout preferences, we piloted the concept of Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at about 200 stores last fall. The result: Self-checkout was twice as fast at our pilot stores. By having the option to pick self-checkout for a quick trip, or a traditional, staffed lane when their cart is full, guests who were surveyed told us the overall checkout experience was better, too.

Target Press Release

And if none of this sounds good to you, you can still continue to use same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pick Up and Target’s same-day delivery.

So, what do you think? Is this a good change? Will it make the experience of shopping at Target better?