If you shop at Walmart in Long Beach, get ready to notice something different at the checkout lines. A new city ordinance requires large stores to restructure their self-checkout kiosks. This means less "do it yourself" and more support from cashiers.
Those who've dealt with full carts and items that won't scan know the frustration well. The flashing messages of "Please wait for assistance" will soon be less frequent, bringing relief to shoppers. Customers will be able to shop with less stress and more security.
What really changes at the checkouts
The Long Beach law has clear goals: improve the shopping experience, reduce losses from theft, and ensure employees aren't invisible at the kiosks.
Now, stores must keep at least one traditional line with staff available while the kiosks are open. In addition, there will be one assistant for every three kiosks at most, and self-checkout is limited to 15 items.
Products like alcohol, tobacco, or items with security tags must be purchased at traditional checkouts. Cashiers check age and products, making everything safer and faster for other customers.
Consequences if stores don't comply
Ignoring these rules isn't cheap. Workers can file civil lawsuits, and fines start at $100 per employee per day. These can increase up to $1,000 daily, plus possible legal fees, until the store complies with the regulation.
The intention isn't to punish for punishment's sake, but to ensure supermarkets follow the law and staff are available when customers need them. This makes the most practical and economical option to follow the rules.
Benefits and possible expansions
Self-checkout isn't going away; for fans of speed, the change means a smoother experience. With a dedicated assistant, any problem will be solved immediately. Limiting purchases to 15 items also speeds up the lines.
Walmart benefits from a more orderly flow: small purchases at kiosks, large purchases at traditional checkouts. In addition, other cities and chains are watching what happens in Long Beach.
If this model reduces losses and improves the customer experience, it could spread to more places. Even if your city doesn't have a similar ordinance, Walmart may adopt some of these measures: visible assistants, item limits, or improvements in the shopping experience.