An angry shopper has slammed the retailer for its frustrating self-checkout policy.
The shopper sharply criticized Walmart for implementing an anti-theft policy that limits the number of items a customer can purchase at the self-checkout kiosks.
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“The new checkout situation at Walmart is ridiculous,” she wrote on Facebook.
“Three weeks ago I could check out a whole cart full of things, now it’s 15 items or less OR you have to go to two checkout lanes with cashiers (most seem new and very slow) while four or more employees ‘monitor’ the self-checkout lanes and tell you which one to go to,” she added.
“I don’t understand how this is supposed to improve the flow in the store.”
At some locations, Walmart customers with more than 15 items cannot use self-checkout lanes.
Many Facebook users were divided on this issue.
Several users stated in the comments that they still prefer to check out the items themselves rather than using a traditional checkout.
“The last time I was there this summer, I was able to check out my entire shopping cart myself,” said one customer. “And I enjoyed it! I’m faster.”
“The last few times I’ve been able to check out myself with a cart full of groceries,” said another.
Others said they were not fans of the new policy.
“And they wonder why people prefer to shop online,” commented another user.
Many consumers are no longer shopping in-store to avoid the hassle that comes with new self-checkout rules at major retail stores like Walmart.
The self-checkout option became popular during the pandemic when shoppers wanted a contactless method of payment.
However, the increasing number of self-checkout kiosks has led to an increase in organized crime.
Consumers did not pay – knowingly or not – for all of their items.
Latest changes to self-checkout
Retailers are developing their self-checkout strategies to shorten checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart customers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at several locations were made available only to Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that the self-checkout lanes were closed at certain times and more cashiers were offered instead.
While customers feared that shoplifting was the reason for the changes, a Walmart spokesperson said store managers were simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment involved an RFID-supported self-checkout kiosk that was intended to eliminate the hotly contested receipt check.
However, this test run was discontinued.
At Target, the number of items at self-checkout lanes is limited.
Last fall, the brand tested new express self-checkout lanes with a maximum of 10 items in 200 stores to increase convenience.
Starting in March 2024, this policy will be expanded to 2,000 stores in the United States.
Customers have also noticed that their local Walmart stores are limiting the number of customers at self-checkout lanes to 15 items or less.
Since then, retailers have been trying to implement anti-theft measures while also considering reducing the number of self-checkout payments in general.
Consumers have asked retailers to reintroduce regular cash registers.
In recent years, Walmart has introduced “Hosted Checkouts” in several stores to show customers the available checkout lanes, guide them through the payment process, and answer any questions they may have.
The retailer says this new payment process is designed to help customers complete their purchases even faster.
“If you prefer to pay by cash, we will continue to keep this option available for customers who prefer this method,” a press release said.
“As customers’ shopping habits continue to change, we will continue to look for new ways to offer choice while saving you time and money,” they added.
Meanwhile, a Walmart customer left three bags of groceries behind in anger because the store expected him to get in a different line.
And Walmart’s CEO confirmed that the chain has cut prices on over 7,000 products.
