Will Walmart Remove Self-Checkout in Texas in 2024?
In New Mexico, three Walmart locations got rid of self-checkouts earlier this year. Does this mean we could soon see the same thing happen here in Texas?
Many people around Longview and Tyler, Texas--and all over East Texas--have expressed their feelings about the ever more common self-checkout kiosks we've been seeing pop up at our stores around the Lone Star State.
Some people seem okay with the inclusion of more self-checkouts, at least in some cases. However, others absolutely DESPISE it. Some dislike it because they feel they shouldn't have to work to check themselves out and bag their own stuff and then pay for the experience. While others say they don't mind that part but are tired of what feels like less human interaction--not to mention less employment opportunities for East Texans.
As we go into 2024, could self-checkout at Walmart and other retailers start disappearing? Or is this a New Year's wish that won't come true?
However one feels about self-checkout, since Walmart has done away with it at some of their New Mexico stores, is this a reversal of the self-checkout trend or an anomaly?
According to KRQE News based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, two local Walmart's have already phased out self-checkout and another location is soon to follow. KRQE spoke with a Walmart spokesperson who said "When asked about the changes, a Walmart spokesperson told News 13 in a statement, 'We continually look at ways to provide our customers with the best shopping experience possible and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores.'
I confess, there are times when I've been grateful for self-checkout. When you go in just to get two or three items, it's nice to be able to get in and out rather than potentially be waiting in a line behind customers with full baskets.
I guess we'll see if this trend makes its way east to our neck of the woods in East Texas.
But what about you? Would you be happy to see self-checkout go away or has it become a convenience for you? In all honesty, I don't know that I see anything changing at East Texas Walmart's any time soon -- especially since I've noticed some recent updates to self-checkouts.
Send an email to tara.holley@townsquaremedia.com if you'd like to share your thoughts or personal experiences.
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