Additional Coverage:
Walmart is scaling back on self-checkout stations at select stores, opting to bring back traditional cashier lanes in an effort to enhance customer service and curb theft.
In March, the retail giant quietly removed self-checkout machines from its South Philadelphia Supercenter, following similar removals earlier this year at two other locations. These changes appear to be a direct response to a rise in shoplifting incidents tied to self-checkout usage.
Last week, Walmart revealed plans to revamp more than 650 stores nationwide and open 20 new locations by early 2027. The company says these upgrades aim to speed up shopping and offer a more convenient experience for shoppers.
Walmart explained that the checkout area at the South Philadelphia store was redesigned to allow associates to deliver a more personalized level of service. This move aligns with observations from Shrewsbury, Missouri, where police reported a significant drop in thefts and arrests after self-checkout kiosks were removed from the local Walmart store earlier this year. Shrewsbury Police Chief Lisa Vargas praised the initiative, noting a sharp decline in calls related to theft and fewer arrests since the change.
Similar removals of self-checkout terminals have also occurred in Walmart stores in Cleveland, Ohio, and New Mexico.
The shift comes amid growing concerns about theft at self-checkout stations. A January study by LendingTree found nearly one-third of shoppers using self-checkout admit to deliberately not scanning items.
Rising grocery prices have been cited as a major factor driving this behavior. Although 55% of Americans prefer self-checkout for convenience, 69% believe it makes stealing easier.
Among 2,050 U.S. shoppers surveyed, 27% confessed to having stolen at least one item via self-checkout-up from 15% in 2023. Nearly half of those caught admitted to shoplifting, yet more than half said they would do it again, with many citing economic pressures such as inflation and increased tariffs.
Food prices continue to climb, with the USDA projecting a 2.9% rise in 2026 compared to the previous year. This ongoing economic strain may be fueling the challenges retailers face in balancing convenience with loss prevention. Walmart’s recent moves signal a renewed focus on combating theft while improving the in-store experience for customers.