Walmart's Shift from Self-Checkout and What It Means for Shoppers in 2025

You may notice changes at Walmart’s checkout in 2025 as part of Walmart's shift away from self-checkout. This shift means you will find fewer self-checkout kiosks in some stores. More staff will be available to assist you at checkout, and some lanes may be designated exclusively for Walmart+ members. In select locations, Walmart has removed self-checkout entirely, though this occurs in well under 1% of stores. New technology introduced during Walmart's shift aims to enhance your checkout experience. These changes could impact how quickly you finish shopping and how you interact with staff and other customers.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart will reduce self-checkout lanes in many stores to improve security and offer more staffed checkout lanes for better service.

• New technology like AI-powered kiosks and smart carts will make checkout faster and help prevent theft.

• Walmart+ members get special checkout perks, including exclusive lanes and mobile scan-and-go options for quicker shopping.

• Wait times may change as more shoppers use staffed lanes, but Walmart uses strategies like curbside pickup to keep lines moving.

• Choosing the right lane and using digital payments can help you check out faster and enjoy a smoother shopping experience.

Walmart’s Shift in Checkout

Fewer Self-Checkout Lanes

You will see fewer self-checkout lanes in many Walmart stores in 2025. Walmart’s shift comes as the company responds to concerns about theft and scanning mistakes. Removing self-checkout is not happening everywhere, but you may notice that some stores have fewer self-service checkouts than before. Store managers now decide how many self-checkout lanes to keep open based on local needs. This self-checkout strategy helps Walmart balance technology with personal service. You might find that wait times change, especially during busy hours.

Tip: If you prefer self-service checkouts, visit during off-peak times for a better chance at finding an open lane.

More Staffed Lanes

Walmart’s shift means you will see more staffed checkout lanes. The company is adding more employees at checkout to help you and reduce theft. Many shoppers asked for more human interaction, and Walmart listened. Staffed checkout lanes can make your experience smoother, especially if you have many items or need help. Removing self-checkout in some locations allows Walmart to focus on better service and security. You may notice that staff receive new training to handle the updated checkout process and technology.

Walmart+ Exclusive Lanes

Some Walmart stores now offer self-checkout lanes just for Walmart+ members and Spark drivers. This self-checkout strategy aims to give faster service to members. However, these exclusive lanes are not always available and depend on the store manager’s decision. Non-members may find fewer self-checkout lanes open, which can lead to longer lines. Some shoppers feel pressure to join Walmart+ for quicker checkout, but Walmart says these lanes are only a test in certain stores. The company wants to see if this approach helps reduce theft and improves the checkout experience.

Walmart’s shift also brings new technology to checkout. You may see invisible barcodes that let you scan items from any angle, making self-checkout faster and more secure. Stores of the Future remodels add digital signs, wider aisles, and private checkout areas, making shopping more comfortable and efficient.

Why Walmart Is Removing Self-Checkout

Theft and Security

You may wonder why Walmart is removing self-checkout in many stores. One of the main reasons is theft concerns. Self-checkout lanes often make it easier for people to steal items or make scanning mistakes. When Walmart removed all self-checkout machines from a Supercenter in Shrewsbury, Missouri, police calls dropped from 509 to 183, and theft arrests were cut in half over five months. The table below shows how removing self-checkout improved security:

Walmart also spends a lot on security technology and staff training to prevent theft. These costs add up and affect the company’s decision to limit self-checkout options.

Customer Feedback

You and other customers have shared feedback about self-checkout. Many people feel frustrated by machines that do not work well or by long waits for help. Some customers prefer talking to a real person at checkout. Walmart employees also say they feel more valued when they can help you directly. They believe removing self-checkout brings back a sense of community and better service. Walmart listened to this feedback and decided to focus more on staffed lanes. This change aims to improve customer satisfaction and make your shopping trip smoother.

Industry Trends

Walmart’s decision reflects a broader retail trend. Other stores like Target, Dollar General, and Safeway are also limiting or removing self-checkout lanes. Many retailers in the industry-wide shift now use a mix of staffed and self-checkout options. They want to balance technology, security, and customer satisfaction. You may notice that some stores only allow self-checkout for small purchases or offer new ways to pay, like mobile checkout. The retail industry is moving toward hybrid models that combine personal service with smart technology. This approach helps stores meet your needs while reducing theft and improving the checkout experience.

Impact on Shoppers

Wait Times

You may notice changes in wait times at Walmart as the checkout process evolves. When Walmart reduces self-checkout lanes, more shoppers move to staffed lanes. This shift can increase pressure on cashiers, especially during busy hours. If Walmart does not add enough staff, you might wait longer in line. Retail experts have seen similar results at other stores like Target. Removing self-checkout without boosting cashier numbers often leads to longer lines.

• Walmart has removed some self-checkout machines in select locations.

• Some self-checkout lanes are now reserved for Walmart+ members and delivery drivers.

• Reducing self-checkout lanes can increase average wait times if Walmart does not increase staffed checkout capacity.

• Self-checkout limits and theft concerns push more shoppers to traditional lanes, affecting how quickly you finish shopping.

Walmart has promised to improve customer flow. The company remodeled some stores and introduced a checkout guarantee. If service takes longer than two minutes, you may receive a discount. Walmart also uses line-busting strategies like curbside pickup and mobile checkout to reduce congestion. These efforts help you move through the store faster and improve your overall shopping experience.

Service Quality

You will see changes in service quality as Walmart increases staffed lanes. After removing self-checkout kiosks, stores like the one in Shrewsbury, Missouri, saw a big drop in theft and police calls. This improvement made the store safer for shoppers and employees. Many shoppers enjoy more personal attention from cashiers. Employees now spend more time helping you directly, which can make your shopping experience feel friendlier.

Some shoppers, however, worry about longer wait times and less convenience. You may miss the speed of self-checkout, especially if you only have a few items. Walmart lets store managers decide how many staffed and self-checkout lanes to keep open. This flexibility helps balance service quality and efficiency. Employees now focus on enhancing customer experience by providing direct assistance instead of just monitoring machines.

Note: Some shoppers feel frustrated by longer lines and changes in checkout options, but others appreciate the improved security and personal service.

Technology at Checkout

Walmart is bringing new technology to the checkout process to improve your shopping experience. You will see a mix of traditional and digital checkout options. The company is testing AI-powered self-checkout kiosks that can recognize products without barcodes. These machines use computer vision and machine learning to make scanning faster and reduce theft.

You may also use smart carts with sensors and AI. These carts help you track your purchases and speed up the checkout process. Walmart is expanding mobile self-checkout, letting you scan and pay with your smartphone. This option helps you skip lines and finish shopping quickly. Voice-assisted self-checkout kiosks guide you through the process using simple voice commands. The company is also exploring 2D barcodes for faster scanning and more product information.

1. AI-powered self-checkout kiosks identify products and reduce theft.

2. Smart carts with sensors streamline your shopping experience.

3. Mobile self-checkout lets you scan and pay with your phone.

4. Voice-assisted kiosks help you check out using voice commands.

5. 2D barcodes make scanning easier and faster.

6. Hybrid models combine employee help with self-checkout machines.

Walmart aims to balance technology and human interaction, making your shopping trip smoother and more secure. These innovations focus on efficiency and enhancing customer experience.

Walmart+ Member Perks

If you are a Walmart+ member, you will enjoy exclusive perks at checkout in 2025. Walmart offers special lanes for members and delivery drivers in some stores. These lanes help you check out faster and avoid long lines. You can also use Mobile Scan & Go, which lets you scan items and pay as you shop. This feature saves you time and adds convenience to your shopping experience.

• Free same-day grocery delivery and free shipping with no minimum purchase make shopping easier.

• Free tire repair at Walmart Auto Care Centers adds value beyond the checkout process.

Walmart+ perks give you more checkout options and make your shopping experience faster and more rewarding. These benefits help you save time and money while enjoying extra convenience.

Tips for a Smooth Checkout

Choosing the Right Lane

You can make your checkout faster by picking the best lane for your needs. Here are some strategies to help you minimize wait times:

1. Use self-service checkouts if you have just a few items and want to leave quickly.

2. Try mobile checkout stations, like powered carts or wireless devices, to scan and pay anywhere in the store.

3. Choose pre-order and pickup services, such as Buy Online Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS), to skip lines completely.

4. Watch for real-time updates. Stores often open more checkout stations when lines get long.

5. Pay attention to wait time estimates posted in the store. These can help you decide which lane will move fastest.

Tip: If you see a new lane opening, move quickly to join that line for a shorter wait.

Using Digital Payments

Digital payments can make your checkout smoother and faster. In 2025, you have several options at Walmart:

• Walmart Pay through the Walmart app

• Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay

• Debit and credit cards, including the Walmart Rewards Card

• EBT cards for eligible grocery purchases

• Personal checks with verification

Walmart also offers a pay-by-bank option for instant, real-time payments. This new feature helps you finish your checkout quickly and can save you money if you want to avoid credit card fees.

Making the Most of Walmart+

If you are a Walmart+ member, you can unlock extra benefits at checkout. Here are some ways to maximize your membership:

• Use Mobile Scan & Go to scan items with your phone and skip the regular checkout line.

• Take advantage of exclusive member prices and early access to special deals.

• Enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping on eligible online orders.

• Get fuel discounts at participating gas stations.

• Earn rewards on eligible purchases, which you can use for future shopping.

• Share your membership with family members in your household.

• Use the OnePay app to speed up checkout and track your expenses.

Note: Pairing Walmart+ with smart financial tools, like instant cash advance apps, can help you manage your budget and avoid high-interest debt.

You will see big changes at Walmart in 2025. These updates may affect how you shop and pay. To make your visits easier, try these tips:

• Use Buy Now, Pay Later services to manage your grocery budget.

• Take advantage of fee-free cash advances if you face unexpected costs.

• Prepare for longer lines by using modern financial tools.

• Learn about new checkout policies, like special lanes for Walmart+ members.

Stay flexible and keep learning about new store features. Adapting early helps you shop with confidence.

FAQ

What happens if you prefer self-checkout at Walmart?

You can still use self-checkout in many stores, but you may find fewer kiosks. Some stores reserve self-checkout for Walmart+ members. You should check your local store for current options.

Will Walmart+ members always get faster checkout?

Walmart+ members often get access to exclusive lanes and Mobile Scan & Go. These perks help you check out faster. Store managers decide when to offer these benefits, so your experience may vary.

How does new technology help at checkout?

Walmart uses AI, smart carts, and invisible barcodes. These tools speed up scanning and help prevent theft. You can expect a smoother and safer checkout with these updates.

Can you still pay with cash at Walmart?

Yes, you can pay with cash at staffed lanes. Some self-checkout kiosks accept cash, but not all. You should look for signs or ask an employee if you need help.

What should you do if you have trouble at checkout?

You can ask a Walmart employee for help. Staff receive training to solve problems quickly. If you use self-checkout, look for the help button or nearby staff.

See Also

Upcoming Changes To Walmart Self-Checkout In 2025

Understanding Walgreens Self-Checkout Convenience And Retail Challenges

How Self-Checkout Technology Has Progressed Over Time

The Relationship Between Walmart+ And Self-Checkout Benefits

Common Issues Encountered With Walmart Self-Checkout Systems