Target shoppers are just realizing ‘insane’ nighttime self-checkout rule – and employee forced them to leave entire cart

AN angry shopper has slammed the retailer for an unusual nighttime self-checkout policy.

After a Target employee voided her transaction at a self-checkout kiosk, the shopper said she ditched the remaining items in her shopping cart and walked out.

"The light was on, and I was almost finished checking out with my items from my completely full cart, and an employee walked up and said 'It’s past 8:00, self check out is closed," the shopper wrote in a Facebook post.

"She voided my transaction...my life flashed before my eyes!"

The retailer could not confirm that this is a store-wide policy.

CHECKED-OUT

Shoppers have expressed their frustrations with self-checkout kiosks that retailers continue to roll out.

After noticing a spike in organized crime, many big-name retailers like Target have implemented anti-theft measures.

Some of those measures include an increased security presence and random receipt checks.

To deter shoppers from stealing, retailers like Target have also introduced a limit on self-checkout items.

At certain store locations, Target shoppers are only allowed to use the self-checkout kiosk if they have 10 or fewer items.

Self-checkout was initially introduced as a way to reduce labor costs.

Especially during the pandemic, retailers noticed that shoppers preferred a no-contact checkout option.

CRACKDOWN ON CRIME

However, retailers failed to foresee the potential for shoplifting.

Many consumers - intentionally or intentionally - haven't been scanning all their items on the self-checkout line.

With the new anti-theft policies, shoppers no longer look forward to an in-person shopping experience.

In fact, many are opting for a online or "pick-up" option instead.

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.

Another point of frustration for consumers is that many of their shopping essentials are now locked up behind plexiglass.

Shoppers generally understand that big-ticket items like TVs and other electronics should be locked up.

However, retailers are now putting everyday necessities behind lock and key.

Several Target shoppers noticed that baby formula, socks, and even underwear are hard to get.

Customers are left waiting for employees to unlock their items, which makes the shopping experience unnecessarily long for many consumers.

Meanwhile, one Costco shopper slammed the retailer for its decision to stop selling books.

And a grocery store chain decided to close two of its store locations.