Customer Experience

Retailers brace for self-checkout limits

Photo: Adobe Stock

April 29, 2026

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Major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target and Costco are facing potential operational changes as lawmakers in several states move to tighten regulations on self-checkout systems, according to a U.S. Sun report.

In Rhode Island, lawmakers are considering a cap of eight self-checkout stations per grocery store, along with requirements for at least one staffed checkout lane for every two kiosks. The proposal also limits employees to monitoring no more than two self-checkout units at a time. Similar provisions are being discussed in Connecticut and Massachusetts, where bills would enforce comparable kiosk limits, staffing mandates and financial penalties tied to violations.

The legislative push is largely driven by concerns over retail theft and workforce impacts. Studies cited by policymakers suggest self-checkout usage, while widespread among consumers, is associated with higher shrink rates compared to traditional cashier-assisted lanes.

Additional states and cities are exploring related measures. New York lawmakers have proposed item limits on self-checkout transactions and stricter employee oversight requirements, while Ohio has introduced fines for noncompliance with emerging rules.