Walmart is making some major changes to the checkout system in multiple stores, as the retail giant is saying goodbye to self-checkout kiosks at certain locations.
The decision to remove these kiosks comes after complaints from customers about long lines and wait times. Walmart spokesperson Brian Little explained that the change is aimed at improving the overall shopping experience and allowing associates to offer more personalized and efficient service.
“We continually look at ways to provide our customers with the best shopping experience and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores,” said Walmart spokesperson Josh Havens. The decision to remove self-checkout kiosks was based on feedback from both customers and associates, as well as shopping patterns and business needs in the area.
Multiple Walmart stores in New Mexico have already removed their self-checkout kiosks, with more locations planning to follow suit. Recent reports have indicated that stores in Cleveland, Ohio, and the St. Louis area are also in the process of ditching their self-checkout systems. Associate-staffed checkouts will be replacing the self-checkout lanes in these locations.
While Walmart has more than 4,700 locations across the US, the company has stated that they do not have plans to remove self-checkout kiosks from a large number of stores nationwide. Other retailers, such as Dollar General and Five Below, are also making changes to their self-checkout systems due to high rates of missing inventory.
Target, on the other hand, has implemented a new rule that limits self-checkout lanes to customers purchasing ten items or less in an effort to speed up the checkout process.
