A TARGET shopper raged over long lines and a lack of open self-checkout lanes, sparking a response from the retail giant.
The frustrated customer described how the wait time ruined her shopping experience.
A disgruntled Target customer complained about the store’s long wait times[/caption]
The shopper questioned why the retail giant has limited self-checkout lanes available[/caption]
Sheila Scott addressed Target on X, writing, “@Target Why are you no longer using your [self]-checkouts?”
She then complained about the store’s long wait times.
“I don’t want to stand in line behind four other people with full carts when I want to buy one or two things,” she continued.
“This is no longer a fun shopping experience at your stores.”
At this time, it is unclear which Target location Scott was discussing.
In March 2023, the retailer implemented a controversial 10-items-or-less rule for self-checkout at most of its locations across the US.
Target responded to Scott’s complaint and issued an apology, claiming that it is focusing on full-service checkout lanes while seeking self-checkout help during busier hours.
“We’re prioritizing full-service check lanes to support our guests during the entire day and intend to open Self-Checkout to support busier times,” the retailer wrote.
“Our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused you during your recent trip to your local Target store!”
Despite Target’s claim, customers have previously complained about long lines caused by the retailer’s lack of full-service checkout lanes and cashiers.
“@Target’s lack of manned checkout lanes at my store this morning caused me and at least six others in the time I was there to leave our stuff in our carts and walk out,” one shopper wrote on X.
“This is insane. Do better please.”
Another posted, “Yo @Target you can’t be understaffing cashiers, and not have self-checkout running. You have to choose a struggle.
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.
“And unlock the deodorants! This stuff makes shopping a drag.”
Many other shoppers have also complained about Target’s anti-theft policy that sees the retailer locking up items.
“Going to buy a razor and it’s freaking locked up in a cage,” one frustrated customer wrote on X.
“We used to be a real country.”
Some have even given up on their Target shopping excursions due to the highly-criticized anti-crime policy.
“Target in Columbia Heights has now locked up the socks and when I saw that I said ‘Oh f**k off’ and left the store,” another disgruntled shopper shared.
He then called out CVS for also locking up items, adding, “I don’t go to the CVS next door to me anymore because everything I could possibly need is locked away and the store is understaffed.
“I don’t go to this Target often for the same reason. Waste of time and pain in the a**.”
Retailers like Walmart and Walgreens have also come under fire for following similar policies.
Many shoppers have taken issue with long wait times at Target[/caption]
Target has limited its self-checkout lanes to customers with 10 items or less[/caption]
