Target employees are voicing their frustrations over a new self-checkout policy. The retailer now limits self-checkout to 10 items or fewer.
This move reverses the trend of expanding self-checkout options. Many shoppers might now face longer waits at manned registers.
The policy change was announced in October. Target aims to understand customer preferences and reduce wait times.
Target's COO, John Mulligan, mentioned the goal is to improve all aspects of in-store service. The new checkout process began rolling out nationwide on March 17.
Some employees believe this change will negatively impact their stores. On Reddit, a user expressed concerns about the practicality of this policy in stores with mostly self-checkout registers.
Target defends the change, saying it benefits customers needing more assistance or preferring human interaction. Store managers have the flexibility to adjust to local needs.
"Checking out is crucial, and we strive for a fast, easy experience," Target stated. However, employees on social media describe the checkout process as "miserable" since the change.
A Reddit post by an alleged Target employee claims the change has made checkout lanes chaotic and understaffed. This leads to complaints about the lack of available help elsewhere in the store.
Walmart has also experimented with self-checkout adjustments, such as exclusive lanes for Walmart+ members. Target tested express lanes for small purchases and has expanded this to 2,000 stores.
Another employee shared on Reddit that their store struggles with the new system due to a lack of open registers. Users echoed this sentiment, doubting the staffing adequacy for such a policy shift.
Target has not yet commented on the feedback from The U.S. Sun.
