A TARGET shopper has mocked the store following reports that the retailer will introduce new technology into its locations.
The retailer will reportedly add cameras to its self-checkout kiosks in an attempt to curb theft.
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These cameras would be able to notify shoppers if a product has been moved without being scanned, according to documents viewed by Bloomberg News.
The implementation will reportedly be speedy as all stores are set to use the technology by the end of 2024.
These cameras are called TruScan and they will also notify staff, as well as customers, about any errors.
They would work alongside the security measures stores already have in place, like weight sensors and alerts.
Target has also reportedly hoped the tech will allow the retailer to find customers “who repeatedly fail to scan their items even after being prompted,” according to Bloomberg News.
The technology has previously been trialed in some locations and Target is reportedly set to roll it out to its over 1,900 stores nationwide.
One customer shared their skepticism of the idea on Facebook.
Jimmy Schf commented on a post of the Bloomberg News article on the social media site.
“Lots of luck with that,” Schf said.
The new technology is set to give customers scanning clues as to when they have gone wrong.
These would involve both audio and visual cues when an item has not been scanned.
Previous antitheft self-checkout measures would ensure the product that had been scanned matched the weight of the item placed in the checkout area.
This would prevent people from possibly scanning a cheaper item and walking away with something more expensive.
CHECKOUT CHANGES
Target has not been shy about making changes to its self-checkout areas recently.
Latest self-checkout changes
How retailers are tweaking their self-checkout formula
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
The U.S. Sun previously reported that the store confirmed a major change had been introduced that could affect shoppers.
Target had made its traditional self-checkout lanes express lanes by limiting the number of items customers can buy through them.
Shoppers have been limited to 10 items or less, as of March 17, 2024.
The retailer also said it would invest in more in-person cashiers following the news.
“We’re opening more traditional lanes staffed by our team members across all our stores for guests who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand, or just enjoy connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner,” Target said in a press release.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Target for comment.
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