A TARGET shopper has blasted the major retailer after experiencing the company’s new checkout policies.
Target made headlines earlier this year when leadership announced it would make major changes to the store’s checkout options.
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The most significant update came to self-checkout kiosks — which are now limited to customers purchasing ten items or less.
Company representatives also promised to open more traditional registers to round out their easy checkout options.
But some shoppers have complained that the new policy has resulted in anything but a streamlined customer experience.
Instead, they say the limits have caused chaos and long checkout lines to wrap around the store.
A Virginia woman recently shared a negative experience at her local Target since the changes came into effect.
“Target taking away their self-checkout and then only having 2 lanes open is the worst business move ever,” she wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
CUSTOMERS NOT CONVINCED
Other shoppers have made similar complaints in the past.
“Target needs a better strategy than just closing self-checkout,” another frustrated customer from Arizona wrote on X.
“Long lines, poor cashier staffing, annoyed customers,” they added.
The national retailer replied to their post and asked for more information so that they could “make sure this is further reviewed.”
“We understand the importance of a speedy checkout and appreciate you reaching out to share your feedback,” Target wrote.
But most disgruntled shoppers never get a reply.
“I don’t even know what to say about this. ONE cashier?!” another confused customer posted on X.
“If just ONE customer gets out of line, they lose more money than what a cashier is paid per hour,” a third questioned.
Latest self-checkout changes at Target
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
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.
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.
MORE RETAILERS UNDER FIRE
Walmart shoppers have recently taken to social media to voice their issues with the retailer’s new policies too.
Many Walmart locations now block off a number of self-checkout kiosks for designated use by Walmart+ customers only.
The store membership is available for $98 a year and offers a number of perks, like free shipping and special discounts.
However, shoppers were dismayed to learn that they may be required to get the pricey plan to continue using self-checkout in their local stores.
“Yea Walmart. I needed just one more reason to stop shopping here and this seals the deal,” one angry customer wrote on Facebook.
“So apparently, only Walmart plus members can use the self-checkout now.”
The customer’s statement was not completely correct — there are still self-checkouts open at Walmart stores for customers who aren’t subscribed to Walmart+ or who are Spark Drivers.
But the post resonated with other shoppers who also felt like lines have increased since the policy changes.
“Target can get all my money,” one former Walmart fan replied.
Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The U.S. Sun.