Walmart shoppers blast self-checkout rule matching Target’s policy – says ‘spent more time in checkout than shopping’

A FUMING shopper slammed the retailer for a new express checkout line policy.

Following in Target ‘s footsteps, Walmart shoppers are now not allowed to use self-checkout kiosks unless they have 10 items or less.

Getty

Getty

“Walmart can’t say I love the new 15 items or less policy for self-checkout, wouldn’t be so bad if the cashiers would move a heck of a lot faster, spent more time in checkout than shopping,” the shopper posted on X.

“But should really increase the number from 15,” they added.

“I can’t wait in lines like that every time.”

Big retailers are responding to a spike in organized crime , leaving shoppers frustrated on checkout lines.

To deter shoppers from stealing, many retailers have implemented a wave of anti-theft policies.

Some of these new measures include increased security, random receipt checks, and a limit on self-checkout items.

CHECKED OUT

Target rolled out a similar limit on self-checkout items in March.

Under the new anti-theft policy, Target’s self-checkouts were restricted to those with 10 items or less.

Shoppers with more than 10 items have to check out at a manned register.

While Target leadership said that the move makes checkout more efficient, there has been backlash from shoppers.

Many shoppers complained about waiting in unnecessarily long lines, as there aren’t enough manned registers to accommodate those who can no longer use self-checkout.

Others say that they have been “yelled at” by staff for having too many items at the self-checkouts.

BUYER BEWARE

Walmart shoppers are also fed up with the retailer’s outdated checkout technology .

Since the retailer refused to allow customers to pay using Apple Pay, many shoppers have ditched Walmart in favor of rival retailers.

Walmart does not accept Apple Pay at any of its over 10,000 locations.

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.

The mobile wallet service digitizes credit and debit cards, allowing shoppers to make contactless payments and ditch their physical wallets.

Despite Apple launching the service over a decade ago, Walmart has yet to integrate it into its payment systems.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon shared why the retailer doesn’t support Apple Pay on the podcast Stratechery.

McMillon noted the main reason was that Walmart wanted shoppers to use its own app to pay.

Meanwhile, an angry Walmart shopper claimed that the retailer overcharged her $84 in energy drinks.

And many Walmart fans begged the big box retailer to give its shopping carts a major facelift.