Overview

• Target has capped self-checkout usage to 10 items per customer and is removing some kiosks entirely while expanding staffed checkout lanes.
• The company reported nearly $500 million in shrink-related losses in 2023, driven by shoplifting and inventory errors.
• A California woman’s conviction for stealing over $60,000 in merchandise via self-checkout highlighted vulnerabilities in the system.
• Other major retailers, including Walmart, Dollar General, and Five Below, are similarly reducing or limiting self-checkout options due to theft concerns.
• Customers have expressed frustration over longer lines and reduced convenience, though Target says pilot tests showed improved efficiency with the new policy.