Walmart Closing Self-Checkout

Walmart closing self-checkout lanes has become a reality for shoppers across the country. The company announced plans to remove self-checkout options from stores nationwide by mid-2025. Many customers rely on quick checkout, so this change affects daily shopping routines. Theft and loss prevention drive Walmart’s decision to close self-checkout lanes. Store managers and staff notice fewer thefts when employees handle checkout. People now wonder how these changes will shape future shopping experiences.

• Shoppers see impacts at stores in Missouri, Ohio, and Los Angeles.

• Walmart aims to improve security and reduce losses with fewer self-checkout stations.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart is closing some self-checkout lanes mainly to reduce theft and improve store security.

• Stores that removed self-checkout saw fewer thefts and police calls, but customers face longer wait times.

• Not all Walmart stores will remove self-checkout; decisions depend on local needs and feedback.

• Other retailers are also changing self-checkout policies to balance convenience with loss prevention.

• Self-checkout will continue to evolve with new technology, but stores will combine it with more staff support.

Walmart Closing Self-Checkout Nationwide

Timeline for Shutdown

Walmart closing self-checkout has become a topic of discussion for many shoppers. Some people believe that Walmart plans to remove all self-checkout lanes by mid-2025. However, Walmart has not announced a nationwide shutdown of self-checkout. Instead, the company adjusts the use of staffed and self-checkout registers based on each store’s needs. Store managers may open or close checkout lanes throughout the day to help with customer flow. These changes allow Walmart to improve the shopping experience and give associates more chances to help customers directly.

Walmart closing self-checkout lanes started in select stores in 2024. For example, the Shrewsbury, Missouri Supercenter removed all self-checkout machines in spring 2024. This decision came after police data showed a drop in theft-related calls and arrests. Walmart also removed self-checkout lanes from three stores in New Mexico last year. These actions show that Walmart closing self-checkout is not a single event but a series of local decisions.

Note: Walmart spokespersons have confirmed that there are no current plans for a nationwide removal of self-checkout lanes. The company continues to review each store’s needs and customer feedback.

Locations Impacted

Walmart closing self-checkout has affected a small number of stores so far. The company looks at factors like theft rates, customer feedback, and business needs before making changes. Some store managers decide to remove self-checkout lanes to reduce theft and improve security. Other stores keep self-checkout open for Walmart+ members or Spark drivers.

The following table shows where Walmart has already closed self-checkout lanes:

Walmart closing self-checkout in these locations has led to fewer thefts and better security. The police chief in Shrewsbury praised Walmart for the positive impact on the community. Walmart continues to monitor the results and may adjust checkout options in other stores if needed.

Walmart closing self-checkout lanes also has financial effects. The company first introduced self-checkout to save on labor costs. However, theft at self-checkout lanes is much higher than at regular checkout lanes. Retail theft in the U.S. now exceeds $112 billion each year, with over $41 billion linked to theft. Self-checkout theft alone costs stores about $3 billion every year. These losses have forced Walmart and other retailers to rethink their checkout strategies.

• Walmart has removed self-checkout lanes from at least six stores due to theft and shrinkage.

• Theft rates at self-checkout lanes are five times higher than at staffed lanes.

• Shrinkage rates at self-checkout range from 3.5% to 4%, up to four times higher than traditional lanes.

• Average annual loss from self-checkout theft exceeds $102,000 for a typical grocery store with 12 self-checkout lanes.

Walmart closing self-checkout remains a local decision, not a nationwide policy. The company will likely continue to adjust checkout options to balance customer service, security, and financial health.

Reasons for Shutting Down Self-Checkouts

Theft and Losses

Walmart decided to begin shutting down self-checkouts because theft and losses increased at many stores. The company noticed that self-checkout lanes had much higher theft rates than staffed checkout lanes. A LendingTree survey found that about 15% of shoppers admitted to stealing at self-checkout stations. Both intentional shoplifting and accidental scanning errors contributed to these losses. Security tag removal also became more difficult at self-service checkouts, which made theft easier.

This table shows the impact after Walmart removed self-checkout kiosks from a store in Shrewsbury, Missouri. Theft-related arrests dropped by nearly half, and police calls fell by 64%. Retail theft from self-checkout terminals accounts for about 4% of total inventory value for retailers. Over $3 billion worth of products are stolen every year from self-checkout terminals in the United States. The introduction of self-service checkouts led to a 50% increase in shoplifting incidents at some locations.

Walmart tried several measures to reduce theft at self-checkout stations. These included AI-powered cameras, RFID tags, employee training, and strict policy enforcement. The company also limited self-checkout usage to Walmart+ members or delivery drivers in some stores. Despite these efforts, theft rates remained high, and the financial losses sometimes outweighed labor cost savings.

Retail experts say that forcing customers to use staffed checkout lanes helps reduce theft and saves money for stores.

Police and Community Feedback

Police departments and community leaders provided feedback on Walmart’s decision to close self-checkout lanes. The Shrewsbury, Missouri police department praised Walmart for removing self-checkout kiosks. Police calls dropped from 509 to 183, and arrests decreased from 108 to 49 after the change. The police chief reported that shoplifting incidents and related calls fell by more than half. Community members noticed fewer thefts and a safer shopping environment.

• Self-checkout lanes reduced staffing costs but increased shrinkage by 2-3%.

• Employees had to monitor self-service checkouts, which was not always efficient.

• Former retail workers said self-checkout lanes were prone to shoplifting and technical problems.

• Some community members suggested limiting the number of items allowed at self-checkout to reduce theft.

Walmart officials acknowledged the positive impact but clarified that shutting down self-checkouts is a local decision. The company continues to review police feedback and community concerns before making changes at other stores.

Operational Challenges

Walmart faced several operational challenges with self-checkout technology. Customers expressed frustration when self-checkout machines closed unexpectedly, causing longer lines at staffed checkout lanes. Technical glitches in self-checkout systems complicated the shopping experience. Theft-related issues, such as skimming devices placed on self-checkout registers, raised security concerns. In March 2024, a mispricing problem affected 1,600 stores, leading to incorrect prices at checkout due to system failures.

• Walmart reduced the number of self-checkout stands in some locations, which led to customer dissatisfaction.

• The company tested advanced technologies like AI-powered kiosks, smart carts, and hybrid models with employee assistance.

• Monitoring technology allowed employees to track scanned items in real time, but theft remained a problem when customer service was lacking.

Walmart attempted to restrict self-checkout access to Walmart+ members using the Scan & Go feature in some stores. Store managers made these decisions based on customer traffic and staffing needs. Some customers complained that many self-checkout kiosks were reserved for members, which limited access for others. Walmart’s corporate communications emphasized that lane restrictions were localized and not permanent.

Industry experts note that while self-checkout lanes reduce labor costs, they increase shrinkage due to theft, which raises operational costs. Customer dissatisfaction, especially among elderly shoppers and those making larger purchases, also affects the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of self-checkout compared to staffed lanes. Walmart has been rethinking its self-checkout strategy by implementing hybrid models and replacing self-service checkouts with traditional staffed registers in some stores.

Walmart cited customer and employee feedback indicating dissatisfaction with the self-checkout experience. The company aims to improve the overall shopping experience by providing more personalized and quicker service. The decision to begin shutting down self-checkouts reflects Walmart’s effort to balance technology use, customer service, and loss prevention.

Customer Impact

Longer Lines

Customers at Walmart have noticed longer lines since the removal of self-checkout lanes. In one store, the average checkout time increased from about 5-7 minutes to nearly 37 minutes after all self-checkout machines were removed. This change led to more confrontations at the registers and a higher number of abandoned carts. Many shoppers grew frustrated with the wait. Some even left their items behind and walked out. After six months of negative feedback, Walmart brought back the self-checkout machines in that location. This example shows that removing self-checkout can make the checkout process much slower and less pleasant for shoppers.

Shopping Experience Changes

The end of self-checkout lanes has changed the way people shop at Walmart. Customers now rely more on staffed lanes, which can lead to longer waits, especially during busy hours. Some shoppers miss the control and speed that self-checkout offered. Others appreciate having more employees available to help with bagging and questions. Walmart hopes that increasing the number of staffed lanes will improve customer service and reduce theft. The company believes that these changes will lead to a better overall shopping experience, even if some customers need time to adjust.

Note: Walmart removed self-checkout lanes in select stores to address theft and customer frustration. The company expects that more staffed lanes will improve service and satisfaction.

Reactions from Shoppers

Shopper reactions to these changes are mixed. Many people complain about losing access to self-checkout, especially when lanes are reserved for Walmart+ members or Spark drivers. Some customers feel frustrated by longer waits and more employees watching over the checkout process. Others dislike new security measures, such as frequent receipt checks, which they find intrusive. A few shoppers have even said they plan to shop elsewhere because of these changes.

Despite the complaints, some customers enjoy self-checkout for its speed and independence. Disabled shoppers, in particular, have praised the convenience. Walmart continues to test new ways to balance security, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Retail Industry Implications

Other Retailers' Responses

Many large retailers have started to change their self-checkout strategies. They want to reduce theft and improve customer service. Some stores now limit the number of items customers can scan at self-checkout. Others have removed self-checkout lanes in locations with high theft rates. The table below shows how major retailers have responded:

Retailers like Safeway have closed self-checkout lanes in some stores and added receipt-scanning gates. Dollar General has removed self-checkout from thousands of stores. Kroger and Wegmans have returned to more cashier-staffed lanes after testing self-checkout-only setups. These changes show a trend across the industry. Many stores now focus on balancing theft prevention with customer convenience.

Industry experts say that rising theft and customer complaints have pushed many retailers to rethink self-checkout, but most have not abandoned it completely.

Future of Self-Checkout

Self-checkout technology continues to grow, even as some stores scale back. Most grocery stores in the United States still offer self-checkout. About 86% of adults have used self-checkout, and younger shoppers prefer it. The market for self-checkout systems is expected to grow quickly, reaching over $10 billion by 2035.

Retailers now use new tools to make self-checkout safer and faster. Many stores use video cameras, RFID tags, and AI-powered systems to catch theft and scanning mistakes. Some stores limit self-checkout to customers with fewer items or to loyalty program members. Mobile app–based self-checkout, like Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go, is becoming more popular. These apps use sensors and AI to check that all items are scanned.

• Self-checkout helps reduce wait times and labor costs.

• AI and smart technology can spot errors and theft in real time.

• Stores collect data from self-checkout to improve inventory and offer deals.

Retailers around the world face similar challenges. They must balance the benefits of self-checkout with the risks. Many experts believe that self-checkout will remain important, but stores will keep changing their systems to meet customer needs and reduce losses.

Walmart’s decision to reduce self-checkout lanes comes from customer and employee feedback, concerns about theft, and a desire for better service. Many stores now rely more on cashiers, which helps prevent losses and improves shopper satisfaction. Other retailers like Target and Dollar General follow similar paths. The retail industry learns that balancing technology with human interaction creates a safer and more pleasant shopping experience. Self-checkout will likely remain, but stores will combine automation with personal service to meet changing needs.

FAQ

What is the main reason Walmart closes self-checkout lanes?

Walmart closes self-checkout lanes mainly to reduce theft and losses. Stores with high theft rates see more security problems at self-checkout. Walmart wants to protect products and improve safety for shoppers and employees.

Will all Walmart stores remove self-checkout lanes?

Not every Walmart store will remove self-checkout lanes. Store managers decide based on theft rates, customer feedback, and business needs. Some stores keep self-checkout for Walmart+ members or delivery drivers.

How does closing self-checkout affect checkout times?

Closing self-checkout lanes often leads to longer lines at staffed registers. Shoppers may wait more during busy hours. Walmart tries to add more cashiers to help reduce wait times and improve service.

Can shoppers still use self-checkout at some locations?

Yes, some Walmart stores still offer self-checkout. These stores may limit access to Walmart+ members or use self-checkout only during certain hours. Store policies can change based on local needs.

Are other retailers also closing self-checkout lanes?

Many retailers, like Target and Dollar General, have changed their self-checkout policies. Some limit the number of items or remove self-checkout in high-theft areas. Retailers want to balance convenience with security.

See Also

Common Issues Encountered With Walmart Self-Checkout Systems

Upcoming Changes To Walmart Self-Checkout Access In 2025

How Walmart Plus Membership Impacts Self-Checkout Experience

A Look At Walgreens Self-Checkout Convenience And Retail Challenges

Tracing The Development And Growth Of Self-Checkout Technology