Target to change self-checkout lanes, limit number of items

Target is changing how its customers shop.

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The company announced that it is adjusting the operation of self-checkout lanes.

Express Self-Checkout lines will be limited to 10 items or fewer at most stores nationwide. The 10-item limit was tested at about 200 stores last year, with the company finding that it was about twice as fast as other stores’ checkouts.

The stores will also open more traditional lanes in which a cashier will ring up orders, the company said in a news release.

The number of self-checkouts and manned lanes may vary by store, while Express Self-Checkouts will be available during the location’s busiest times.

The changes go into effect on March 17.

Read Target's full announcement below:

At Target, we’re always listening to our guests so we can deliver a joyful and convenient shopping experience. Checking out is one of the most important moments of the Target run, and we know that a fast, easy experience — whether at self-checkout or the lanes staffed by our friendly team members — is critical to getting guests on their way quickly.

During the pandemic, many guests preferred using self-checkout for all their purchases because it offered them a contactless option. Today, ease and convenience are top of mind, so, to learn more about guests’ self-checkout preferences, we piloted the concept of Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at about 200 stores last fall. The result: Self-checkout was twice as fast at our pilot stores. By having the option to pick self-checkout for a quick trip, or a traditional, staffed lane when their cart is full, guests who were surveyed told us the overall checkout experience was better, too.

Guided by this guest feedback, we’re making updates chainwide to make our checkout experience even more enjoyable. Beginning March 17:

We’re rolling out Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at most of our nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. We’re opening more traditional lanes staffed by our team members across all our stores for guests who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand, or just enjoy connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner. Store leaders have the flexibility to open more lanes staffed by team members and set self-checkout hours that are right for their store. While the hours of operation may vary based on store needs, Express Self-Checkout will be available during the busiest shopping times. We’re also continuing to invest in additional training to ensure that our teams can continue to provide great guest service during the checkout.

We’ll continue evolving to match guests with the right checkout options so they can get what they need — alongside same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pick Up and Target’s same-day delivery. It’s all in service to demonstrate the convenience, joy and value of the Target run.

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