Target Limits Self-Checkout Due to Theft Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Target is scaling back self-checkout kiosks across its nearly 2,000 U.S. stores, citing growing concerns over theft. The decision comes as the company navigates a rise in reported shoplifting incidents, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Target had previously announced plans in March 2024 to expand self-checkout stations, but this initiative is now being reversed. Reports indicate that some stores have removed kiosks entirely, while others are limiting self-checkout to ten items or fewer. A representative for Target stated that this change was in the works for over a year, driven by customer feedback and an internal desire to enhance the shopping experience.

“Our goal is to help customers get in and out smoothly,” the representative told Fox News Digital. However, industry analysts maintain that rising theft is a significant factor behind the reduction of self-checkout options.

In 2023, Target reported nearly $500 million in losses attributed to shrink, a term that covers theft and inventory discrepancies. In one notable case, a California woman stole over $60,000 in merchandise from Target by exploiting self-checkout machines during a series of visits.

Retail analyst Neil Saunders of GlobalData emphasized that self-checkouts can be prime targets for theft. He noted, “Retailers like Target are scaling it back to reduce theft-related losses.”

Customer reactions have been mixed, with many expressing frustration on social media about the longer lines and reduced convenience. Reddit user @jxbermudez72 shared a photo of a local store that completely removed its self-checkout kiosks, lamenting the end of the option. Another shopper on X commented, “Target is turning into Walmart. Sixteen lanes. One cashier. Mile-long line for self-checkout. Why?!”

Target is not the only retailer addressing theft concerns with similar measures. Walmart has also removed self-checkout machines from select locations and Dollar General announced in April that it would eliminate self-checkout from 300 stores due to high theft rates. Meanwhile, Five Below plans to phase out self-checkout in favor of associate-assisted checkouts.

According to industry sources, U.S. retailers suffered an estimated $112.1 billion loss to shrink in 2022. Reports from New York City revealed a 64% increase in shoplifting incidents between 2019 and 2023. Items stolen often end up being resold on online platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, contributing to a growing underground economy.

As retailers like Target shift their policies away from self-service options, they appear to be prioritizing measures to combat retail theft over the convenience that self-checkout provides. Target’s recent changes reflect a broader trend among retailers grappling with the impacts of organized retail crime.