Stores are reversing course on self-checkout. The internet reveals clues as to why

Key Points:

• Retailers are reducing self-checkout lanes, with usage dropping from 43% in 2025 to 36% in 2026 among small and midsize operators, due to issues like theft, inefficiency, and customer frustration.
• Shoppers express mixed feelings about self-checkout, with complaints about having to perform cashier tasks and feeling monitored by employees or cameras, while others appreciate the speed and reduced human interaction.
• Self-checkout has contributed to increased merchandise losses, with grocery stores experiencing a 22% rise in losses post-installation and stores with self-checkout facing 33% higher losses compared to those without.
• Major retailers have introduced item limits for self-checkout to combat shrinkage, and some, like Dollar General and Five Below, have scaled back or removed self-checkout lanes entirely.
• Despite cutting back on self-checkout, retailers are heavily investing in other technologies, including AI, digital shelf labels, and order-ready boards, aiming to simplify operations and improve efficiency.