Overview
- A widely read Reddit post about a Rewe store describes staff hovering at self-checkout that undermines the low-contact promise, with commenters noting some locations now use cameras that prefill purchases at payment.
- The Sozialverband VdK reports that comprehensive accessibility is still uncommon, citing barriers such as card readers out of reach for people using mobility devices and cramped checkout areas.
- Statista data cited by t3n show frequent use among younger shoppers, with many 18–44-year-olds using self-checkout regularly and half of the youngest respondents doing so often.
- Industry expert Frank Horst (EHI) and a dpa survey say many major chains employ or test camera and AI systems to monitor self-checkouts for theft prevention.
- Firsthand accounts in t3n describe recurring scan errors and double entries that halt transactions until staff intervene with override cards.