Starting Sunday, most Target locations will no longer allow big baskets at self-checkout.

A major retailer is implementing a new policy called Express Self-Checkout after conducting a trial run of restricting self-service lanes to 10 items or fewer at approximately 200 stores in recent months.

Target's Express Self Checkout Lane

Customers who have a larger number of items will be guided to the regular staffed checkout lanes to finalize their purchases.

According to the company, the test revealed an interesting finding: self-checkout was twice as fast when there were item limits compared to when there were none.

Store leadership has the ability to adjust the availability of self-checkout lanes, allowing them to open later or close earlier than the store's operating hours, according to Target. 

"At Target, we're always listening to our guests so we can deliver a joyful and convenient shopping experience. Checking out is one of the most important moments of the Target run, and we know that a fast, easy experience - whether at self-checkout or the lanes staffed by our friendly team members - is critical to getting guests on their way quickly." 

"During the pandemic, many guests preferred using self-checkout for all their purchases because it offered them a contactless option. Today, ease and convenience are top of mind, so, to learn more about guests' self-checkout preferences, we piloted the concept of Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at about 200 stores last fall. The result: Self-checkout was twice as fast at our pilot stores. By having the option to pick self-checkout for a quick trip, or a traditional, staffed lane when their cart is full, guests who were surveyed told us the overall checkout experience was better, too." 

Based on valuable guest feedback, Target is implementing chainwide updates to enhance the checkout experience and make it even more enjoyable. Starting from March 17:

• Rolling out Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at most of our nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. 
• Opening more traditional lanes staffed by our team members across all our stores for guests who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand, or just enjoy connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner. 
• Store leaders have the flexibility to open more lanes staffed by team members and set self-checkout hours that are right for their store. While the hours of operation may vary based on store needs, Express Self-Checkout will be available during the busiest shopping times.
• Target is also continuing to invest in additional training to ensure that our teams can continue to provide great guest service during the checkout. 

Target has unveiled several other initiatives in the past few weeks. Earlier in March, the company announced its plans to enhance the Target Circle loyalty program and introduce a new paid membership option, both of which are set to launch next month.

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Use of Self-Service

Major retailers have made several moves in the past year to address the challenges presented by the increasing use of self-service kiosks.

Some Walmart stores have recently made changes to their self-checkout lanes, now only allowing Spark drivers and Walmart+ members who use the company's app to utilize them.

On Thursday, Dollar General announced that it would be removing the option from a significant number of stores, while also implementing a limit of five items or fewer in other locations.

Retailers across the United States are grappling with inventory theft, commonly referred to as "shrink," at self-checkout registers.

Walmart recently announced that it is making changes to its self-checkout stations, limiting access to certain people. The people affected include delivery drivers and Walmart+ subscribers. Meanwhile, Dollar General, facing a decline in sales, has decided to remove the majority of its self-checkout stations from its stores. 

With reporting by TMX 

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