After years of promoting self-checkout for faster service, Walmart is taking a new turn. The retail giant has started bringing back traditional cashier lanes in several U.S. stores, responding to growing customer frustration over frozen screens, barcode errors, and long waits for assistance.
Executives say the move aims to improve the shopping experience by combining technology with personal service. While self-checkout remains available, staffed registers are being reintroduced to handle larger purchases more smoothly and to offer the human interaction many shoppers still value.
The shift highlights a broader truth in retail: automation can’t replace the human touch. Walmart’s new approach seeks to balance speed, service, and satisfaction—making every visit a little easier and a lot friendlier.