GROCERY and drug stores have plans to roll out a major self-checkout change starting on September 21, affecting the way that Americans shop.
These retailers will soon be required to maintain certain staffing levels at their self-service lanes under a new law.
A self-checkout shake-up is on the way thanks to a new law[/caption]
The landmark ordinance will require that both grocers and drug retailers have at least one worker supervising self-checkout operations at all times and not be assigned other work during that time.
Additionally, stores with two or more self-checkout lanes must have at least one employee for every three self-checkout stations during operational hours – a change from the previously proposed two to one ratio.
Known as “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores,” the ordinance is intended to reduce retail theft and boost customer service.
Aside from the new staffing requirements, the new law dictates that a regular checkout lane must be open if self-checkout stations are in use.
This change helps to ensure that shoppers can access assistance when needed and that transactions including security-tagged items or those with age restrictions have proper oversight, as these products cannot be purchased at self-checkout under the new law.
Additionally, the ordinance states that grocery stores and drug stores must implement policies limiting self-checkout to 15 items or less per transaction.
The “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance will go into effect starting on September 21 in Long Beach, California – roughly 25 miles from Los Angeles.
The series of regulations is a response to the city’s 16% jump in petty theft from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the potential consequences of under-staffed checkout lanes.
As a result of the new ordinance, retail giants such as Walmart and Target must now tweak their self-checkout operations in order to comply with the new staffing requirements and purchase limits.
Stores could be fined up to $2,500 for each violation of the new staffing standards.
MIXED FEELINGS
Those in favor of the regulations believe that they will help to curb theft and improve customer service, while opponents have argued that the ordinance may raise operational costs for retailers.
They have also expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the impending legislation on tackling the root causes of retail crime.
One shopper on Facebook user criticized the new rules, saying they felt like an overreach.
“Instead of targeting shoplifters, we’re micromanaging how businesses employ staff at self-checkouts. Why shift to such intrusive rules?
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
“Stronger law enforcement and focused penalties on offenders would make more sense than forcing retailers to hire more staff and risking higher prices or fewer checkouts.”
RULE RUFFLE
California is not the only state looking to alter its self-checkout operations, with legislation aimed at limiting the number of self-service lanes in grocery stores also underway in Rhode Island.
The state is looking to ban grocers from having more than six self-checkout machines at one time.
The new law would also require retailers have at least one traditional, staffed checkout lanes available for every two self-checkout stations.
The Rhode Island legislation, spearheaded by Senate President Valarie Lawson, is currently awaiting a vote in the House.
“We’ve all experienced frustration at a self-service checkout, and this experience can be far more challenging for elderly members of the community,” said Lawson.
“This bill would provide options for the consumer by making sure staffed checkout lanes are always available and it would improve the store environment for workers and consumers.
“When stores use too many self-checkout stations it can cut worker hours and leave some workers struggling to manually cover eight self-checkout stations on their own. This bill protects workers as well as consumers.”
As these two states work to improve their self-service operations, Walmart shoppers have called out an “unsettling” store policy being rolled out at self-checkout.
Meanwhile, Target self-checkout users are being warned to avoid offers of help while paying to avoid a string of extra items added to their bill.
Beginning on September 21, grocers and drugs stores in Long Beach, California, will be subject to new self-checkout rules[/caption]
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