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Self-Checkout Rollback: Retailers Fight Rising Theft
3 May
Summary
- Walmart is removing self-checkout kiosks in more stores.
- Consumer surveys show a significant increase in self-checkout theft.
- Legislation is emerging to regulate self-checkout deployment.
Walmart is actively reducing its use of self-checkout machines in stores nationwide, with a recent removal occurring in South Philadelphia in March 2026. This move follows similar decisions at locations in Missouri, Ohio, and New Mexico throughout 2024. The company cites customer feedback and a desire for a more personalized experience, but data indicates that theft is a primary driver.
A December 2025 survey by LendingTree found that 27% of self-checkout users admitted to intentional theft, a significant increase from 15% in 2023. An additional 36% admitted to accidentally leaving with unscanned items. This growing problem is exacerbated by economic pressures and rising food prices, which were 2.7% higher in March 2026 compared to the previous year.
Other retailers are also adjusting their strategies. Dollar General removed self-checkouts nationwide in 2024, while Sam's Club is implementing scan-and-go technology. Costco is exploring new methods to manage checkout lines. Concurrently, legislative bodies in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts are considering regulations to govern self-checkout deployment, often mandating employee supervision or limiting item counts.
The combination of internal data, declining store performance, and incoming regulation presents a clear challenge for retailers. What began as an efficiency initiative has become a significant liability for many, prompting a broader shift away from extensive self-checkout implementation.
