Full Breakdown
Retailers Scale Back Self-Checkout Amid Theft Concerns and Legislative Pressure
5/3/2026, 1:14:56 PM
Retailers Scale Back Self-Checkout
Walmart removed self-checkout lanes at its South Philadelphia store in March 2026, citing local feedback. Dollar General, Target, Five Below and Sam’s Club have similarly reduced kiosks, while Costco is testing staff-assisted “scan-and-go” service.
Background & Context
Self-checkout kiosks spread to most U.S. grocery stores in the 2010s; by 2026, 96 % of stores offered them and 86 % of shoppers used them. Analysts associate the kiosks with higher shoplifting, and legislators in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington have introduced bills limiting kiosk numbers and mandating one employee per two machines.
Data & Statistics
- 69 % of self-checkout users think the machines facilitate theft (LendingTree, Dec 2025).
- 27 % admit intentionally not scanning items; 36 % report accidental omissions, of which 61 % keep the goods.
- Inventory shrinkage is 16 times higher at self-checkout than at staffed lanes (Reason, 2026).
- Bills in at least six states propose a maximum of eight self-checkout stations and a staffing ratio of one employee per two kiosks.
Official Statements & Responses
Walmart’s spokesperson said changes are “guided by feedback from associates and customers, local shopping patterns, and the needs of the business in each community,” and aim to “improve checkout experience and enable associates to provide personalized service.” Senior Vice President Annie Walker said 2026 remodels will “make shopping faster, easier, and more convenient, while empowering our teams.” Retail analyst Bryan Gildenberg noted Walmart “regularly reviews stores based on theft and customer experience and removes self-checkout from highest-theft locations.”
Criticism & Opposition
Labor unions back the restrictions, saying they protect workers and add union jobs. In Connecticut, testimony supporting the bills came solely from unions such as AFL-CIO, SEIU and UFCW. Critics warn AI loss-prevention systems may disproportionately flag shoppers of color, raising bias concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Walmart cites customer feedback for removals; analysts point to theft as the primary driver. Public data on post-removal theft rates and the effect of “scan-and-go” on checkout efficiency are not yet available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These changes are guided by feedback from associates and customers, local shopping patterns, and the needs of the business in each community.” — Walmart spokesperson
- “Forcing more customers to use manned checkouts resolves a lot of these issues and saves retailers money,” — Neil Saunders, retail analyst
- “We’ve seen the consequences of removing workers from these spaces: increased retail theft, less oversight, fewer protections for both workers and customers and generally decreased safety,” — Amanda Farías, New York City Council member
- “somebody who makes you feel important in their world—somebody who makes you feel human.” — Toni Antonucci, professor of psychology
What’s Next
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut committees will vote on self-checkout limits in the coming months. Walmart plans to remodel over 650 stores in 2026, adding AI-enabled “scan-and-go” while phasing out kiosks in high-theft locations. Retailers and lawmakers will track theft data to evaluate the changes.
