Self-checkout kiosks have become a familiar sight in supermarkets, with this widely adopted technology promising shorter queues and greater convenience for customers. Retailers beyond the grocery sector have also embraced self-checkout, enabling them to cut costs and reallocate staff, traditionally stationed at tills, to areas like customer service.
However, public sentiment towards self-checkout is turning sour, with the technology being blamed for various problems in the retail industry, including a rise in theft. The repeated message of 'Unexpected item in the bagging area' has also become a frequent source of frustration for shoppers, who are increasingly irritated by the need for human intervention to complete their purchases.
As a result, more and more retailers, including Walmart and UK drinks retailer Booths, are reportedly returning to staffed tills, switching off self-checkout terminals, or removing them altogether.
In this webinar, industry leaders explored the future of self-checkout and how retailers can make the technology work effectively for everyone.
Read related resources
-
Campaign Focus | Media Coverage & The Budget
Bira has continued to feature across trade, local and national press on key issues for independent retailers. Plus, Bira's initial Budget response to the Chancellor.
-
New EU customs costs: what independent retailers have to know
New EU customs rules mean UK retailers face €3 duties per product category on low-value parcels sent to EU customers from July 2026.
-
Is your lease still working for your business?
Changing costs, consumer habits and local markets mean independent retailers should regularly assess whether their lease still works for them.
-
Martyn's Law: 10 questions independent retailers are asking
Martyn’s Law sets new standards to protect the public from terrorism — here’s how small businesses can prepare for the changes.