There will still be an “assistant” who steps in if a customer is having a problem or is attempting to make a purchase without proper ID (e.g., wine/beer in Virginia).
My wife manages the 4 self-checkout kiosks at our local Target.
On the other hand, if someone chooses to go for a five-finger discount, Target’s policy is to not intervene. Go figure.
The local Walmart here has several of the self-checkouts with multiple “helpers”. It does seem more efficient. I ring the bell for the Salvation Army at the store and people will complain to me about them. It reminds me of liberals “People should be prevented from using things that I don’t like”.
Why bother? They'll just pass the cost on to you, the honest customer.
“if someone chooses to go for a five-finger discount, Target’s policy is to not intervene. Go figure.”
The point of the lead article is a complete reversal of that issue: They can automatically recognize you upon entering the store, cross-reference you with your billing options, identify what you take, and charge you as you take it from the store. “Shoplifting” evaporates, as “shoplifters” are billed automatically - exactly like everyone else, who just takes what they need and are billed automatically.
Not at that level, anyway. FWIW....
I can't find any recent numbers for Target, but last I saw for Wally was $3 bil to shoplifting. If Target wants to go high tech, fine by me.