Target enhances checkout experience

Target is making several enhancements to its checkout experience. 

Noting that checking out is one of the most important moments of the Target run, Target said that a fast, easy experience — whether at self-checkout or the lanes staffed by team members — is critical to getting guests on their way quickly.

During the pandemic, many guests preferred using self-checkout for all their purchases because it offered them a contactless option, the retailer said. 

“Today, ease and convenience are top of mind, so, to learn more about guests’ self-checkout preferences, we piloted the concept of Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at about 200 stores last fall," Target said. "The result: self-checkout was twice as fast at our pilot stores. By having the option to pick self-checkout for a quick trip, or a traditional, staffed lane when their cart is full, guests who were surveyed told us the overall checkout experience was better, too.”

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Target said the following updates--which went live on March 17--will make its checkout experience more enjoyable: 

• Express Self-Checkout with limits of 10 items or fewer at nearly 2,000 stores nationwide;
• Opening more traditional lanes staffed by team members across for guests who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand or just enjoy connecting with team members;
• Store leaders have the flexibility to open more lanes staffed by team members and set self-checkout hours that are right for their store. While the hours of operation may vary based on store needs, Express Self-Checkout will be available during the busiest shopping times; 
• Investing in additional training to ensure that teams can continue to provide great guest service during the checkout;
• Continue evolving to match guests with the right checkout options—alongside same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pick Up and Target’s same-day delivery.