Lowe’s shopper issues warning to staffers after abandoning full cart thanks to self-checkout switch-up

FUMING Lowe's shoppers have blasted the retailer for a controversial self-checkout policy and many are ditching their carts in frustration.

The chain recently began to phase out manned cashier desks and increase its reliance on self-checkouts in some stores across the U.S.

The policy, however, has angered many customers who complain it has slowed down checkout times.

One shopper took to X to explain their frustration at the change.

"Got a full cart. Went to customer service to ask where I check out. The lady I asked ignored me with her phone," they wrote.

"3 others standing around pointed. Got down there. Self checkout only.

"Told the gal there 'I don't work here' and left."

Like other retailers across the country, Lowe's has started to phase out manned checkouts to increase store efficiency and reduce waiting lines.

But shoppers have taken to social media to voice their complaints about this move.

"Dear @loweshomeimprovement, I didn't appreciate the forced self-checkout," one customer wrote on Facebook.

"I hate it. There is ALWAYS some sort of issue with self-checkout."

And other shoppers also appear to share this opinion.

"Seriously @Lowes? 1 manned checkout with 13 people in line and employees standing around?" the customer wrote on X.

"The 1 person manning 4 self-checkouts said I'd have to wait in line and employees standing around?"

"Disgraceful & poor business practice.

"Left my $250 cart and walked out."

Some have threatened to boycott the chain and take their business elsewhere.

"You've lost my business," one user wrote.

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.

"I regret that we will no longer be shopping at this or any other Lowe's store," another frustrated customer said.

The changes to Lowe's checkout system are not the only thing that has annoyed its customers.

Shoppers have also complained about the chain's new return policy.

Customers are required to keep their receipts at certain locations when making a return.

Other shops, however, can look up customers' purchases using their phone numbers, but Lowe's does not allow this.

"Lowe's new return policy is garbage," one person wrote.