dailyloe.com – Walmart, Target, and Costco are eliminating self-checkouts as regulations tighten. Major retailers are responding to theft concerns and customer service feedback.
Walmart has been removing self-checkout machines to reintroduce traditional cashier lanes. The latest store to drop these machines is in South Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A company spokesperson stated that the shift aims to enhance customer service by reducing lines and improving efficiency. The changes are based on feedback from associates and customers.
Experts indicate that self-checkout kiosks are susceptible to theft. A December 2025 Lending Tree survey revealed that 69% of users believe self-checkouts facilitate stealing.
Many customers admitted to theft, whether intentional or unintentional. About 27% confessed to purposely taking an item without scanning it.
Additionally, 36% of users acknowledged they accidentally left with unscanned items. Of those, 61% kept the unscanned items, despite not intending to steal.
Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, stated, “Largely unattended self-checkouts provide a potential opportunity for folks to help themselves.” He emphasized that tough economic times drive people to take risks.
Retail expert Neil Saunders noted that self-checkouts have led to high theft rates from both deliberate actions and mistakes. He mentioned that switching to manned checkouts could resolve many issues and save retailers money.
Retail expert Bryan Gildenberg explained that Walmart regularly assesses stores for theft and customer experience. Stores with high theft rates are more likely to eliminate self-checkouts.
Walmart is not alone in this trend. In 2024, Dollar General also announced plans to phase out self-checkout machines in several locations.
