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Retailers Eliminating Self-Checkout Reluctant to Blame Theft

Retailers Eliminating Self-Checkout Reluctant to Blame Theft
An Alexa device is available for customer use at the first Amazon Fresh on opening day, and the only store with both cashierless technology mixed with a cashier checkout option, in Bellevue, Wash., on June 17, 2021. Ken Lambert/Seattle Times/TNS
Mark Gilman
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Retail stores reeling from losing billions from theft last year are making some tough decisions that may impact consumer-shopping experiences, including a big swing in their dependence on self-checkout.  
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail theft reached $121.6 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $150 billion by 2026. This could be one reason stores owned by Walmart, Target, and Dollar General have announced their reliance on self-checkout will shift dramatically for the rest of 2024. But few are willing to bring it up in their announcements. 
Mark Gilman
Mark Gilman
Author
Mark Gilman is a media veteran, having written for a number of national publications and for 18 years served as radio talk show host. The Navy veteran has also been involved in handling communications for numerous political campaigns and as a spokesman for large tech and communications companies.