Target shopper says chain ‘lost a customer’ after ‘ditching cart at self-checkout’ as retailer doubles down on policy
A TARGET shopper has lashed out at the chain after encountering a self-checkout line he described as ridiculous.
The customer was so furious that he abandoned his shopping cart, which was full of items worth up to $300.
He blasted the retailer after the less-than-ideal experience, claiming the company had lost a customer, per an X post.
The shopper, known as Ed, said: “I refuse to do your job by using self-checkout.”
He claimed that he met his side of the bargain by putting the items in his cart.
But, he walked out of the store after facing the “ridiculous” checkout line.
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A Target spokesperson responded to the shopper’s fury.
“We appreciate you reaching out,” they said.
“We’re prioritizing full-service check lanes to support our guests during the entire day and intend to open Express Self-Checkout to support busier times.”
“Thank you for sharing your feedback.”
Target is among the retailers that have consistently come under fire over its approach to self-checkout.
Last year, bosses trialed a format where express lanes were rolled out in stores.
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Measures were put in place that limited shoppers to scanning a limited number of items at the checkout.
Chiefs limited shoppers to checking out a maximum of 10 items at the self-service machines.
They claimed self-checkout was twice as fast at stores where the policy was being trialed.
Since March 2024, the policy has been rolled out on a much more widespread basis.
It is now in operation at most of the chain’s nearly 2,000 stores across the US.
Despite bosses being pleased with the results, customers are more skeptical.
Target has been ridiculed by some who have been left frustrated by the measure.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.
Furious shoppers have claimed they would rather go to Walmart than have to encounter the policy.
Countless customers have complained about long lines that they believe were triggered by the policy.
However, Target is not the only chain that has tried to make the self-checkout experience more convenient for shoppers.
Chiefs at Schnucks have rolled out a policy that limits shoppers to scanning 10 items at self-checkout.
They claimed it was to combat theft while also keeping prices low for loyal shoppers.
However, customers have claimed that pop-up messages have appeared on the machine’s screens when they scan more than 10.
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The U.S. Sun has also reported how shoppers have spotted item limits in force at certain Walmart stores across the US.
Unlike Target, it appears that the policy has not been rolled out across all outlets.