Improvements to St. Cloud Target Self-Check Experience

As I was picking up a few things at Target over the weekend I noticed something new.

The self-check had a much more streamline look to it.  At first it took me a second to realize what the issue was, then I noticed that it was much brighter and seemed to be a bit bigger, or wider.  This is where you are able to place your basket in order to ring up your purchases.

I know that a lot of people still say that they won't go through the self check because "they don't work there". But Target has stated that since they implemented the 10 items or less in the self-check, things have been moving along a lot faster than thay had in the past.

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Before, people would slide up to the self-check with a cart full of purchases.  And, as stated above, they don't work there, so they are not nearly as quick with the scans as the cashiers who actually work for Target are.  I'm not sure why people would do that, but they would.

The self-check is supposed to more like an Express Lane.  And now it's being enforced, for the most part.  This has been going on for over a year.  And it's working.  The cashier lines have been moving a lot faster than they used to in busy times.

I used to walk through Target, mostly at the Crossroads location and just think "is it worth it" when I would see the line stretching almost the length of the store.  It was ridiculous.  Now, those lines move much faster than they used to.  This is a good thing.

• Total transaction times have improved nearly 8% across both our self-checkout stations and our traditional, staffed lanes.

I know 8% doesn't seem like a ton, but it really does help.  "It works if you work it".  Target makes this statement as well, making sure their guests are happy with their shopping experience.

...continue evolving to match guests with the right checkout options so they can get what they need — alongside same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pick Up and Target’s same-day delivery. It’s all in service to demonstrate the convenience, joy and value of the Target run. 

So, if you have 10 items or less, use the self-check and see if you like it or not.