Walmart Shoppers May Soon Have To Pay A Fee To Use Self-Checkout
Walmart and Target, two retail giants, are considering making changes to their self-checkout lanes. The once open-for-all self-checkout lanes might become reserved for Walmart+ members and Spark delivery drivers.
Shoppers have been left puzzled after finding some self-checkout lines closed at Walmart. A TikTok user shared their frustration, saying, “This is the second time this week that I’ve gone to Walmart, and this is a different Walmart, and it’s been right about this time, and all their self-checkouts are closed and they’ve started to open up the regular lines again.”
According to a picture posted on Reddit, a sign at Walmart indicated that the self-checkout was for Spark shoppers and Walmart Scan & Go only.
Some shoppers are upset by the possible changes. One commenter expressed their disappointment, saying, “Oh, I wouldn’t shop there then. I don’t do anything but self-checkout at Walmart.” Another frustrated shopper shared their experience of waiting for 45 minutes in line.
Kelsey Bohl, senior manager for corporate communications at Walmart, confirmed that there might be modifications in the availability of self-checkout lanes in select stores. She explained that store managers have the autonomy to decide whether to close lanes or limit their availability based on employees’ and customers’ needs.
While many customers expressed their displeasure online, it is important to note that these changes are localized decisions made by individual store managers. The aim is to better manage checkout availability and improve the overall shopping experience.
As one commenter suggested, hiring more cashiers could be a viable solution. It remains to be seen how these potential changes will impact the shopping experience for Walmart customers.
