Writer Calls Self-Checkout Systems a Threat to American Retail Culture

The writer recounts a recent episode at a large American grocery store where a self-checkout machine repeatedly flagged his items, forcing a staff member to intervene. Frustrated, he announces he will no longer scan his own purchases and will push managers to reopen traditional lanes. He points out that the first recognizable self-checkout appeared at a Kroger near Atlanta in 1986, introduced to reduce the expense of cashiers whose schedules fluctuate with demand.

While the system promises speed and anonymity, the author highlights persistent errors, lack of bagging, and the need for staff to unlock the machines. Beyond efficiency, he laments the disappearance of casual interactions with cashiers that once added a human touch to everyday shopping. The column concludes that outsourcing checkout work to customers undermines both employment and the social fabric of American retail.