Attention Walmart shoppers: Here's what's you might see in stores following a possible major change!
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As you stroll through the aisles of your local Walmart, filling your cart with essentials and perhaps a few treats, you might be preparing for the usual routine at the checkout.
But for Washington State residents, that routine could be facing a significant shake-up.
A proposed bill is stirring the pot, threatening to transform the self-checkout experience and potentially hit retailers with hefty fines if they don't comply.
Washington State's lawmakers are not just browsing the legislative aisles–they're filling their legislative cart with a bill that could redefine the self-checkout landscape.
The bill, which is currently under debate, aims to regulate the use of self-checkout systems in grocery stores, particularly those exceeding 15,000 square feet. It recently had its first public hearing last February 12, 2025.
This includes many of the major retailers we know and frequent, such as Walmart, Safeway, and ALDI. Bulk good stores that have memberships like Costco would be exempt.
The proposed legislation is not just a light suggestion. If it passes as is, the bill will request stores to implement at least one staffed checkout lane when self-checkouts are open. Stores would also be asked to assign one attendant for every two self-checkout stations in the store.
Stores that fail to adhere to the new rules could face fines of $100 per day, with a cap at $10,000. That's no small change, even for the big players in the retail game.
Washington is the latest state to consider regulating self-checkout systems. As these kiosks become more common, states are grappling with their impact—frustrated customers, potential staffing reductions, and broader changes in grocery store operations.
Furthermore, the bill proposes a 15-item purchase limit for self-checkout transactions. This could mean rethinking your shopping strategy if you're used to ringing up a cartful of goods at the self-service kiosks.
The push for regulation is not unique to Washington. States across the country, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Rhode Island, are grappling with the rise of self-checkout systems.
These machines have grown in popularity, with around 40%of all registers now being self-service, according to Capital One.
In fact, more than 95% of Americans have reported using self-checkout in the past year, with approximately 73% percent expressing a preference for these machines over manned registers.
Retailers have embraced self-checkout for its efficiency, claiming that transactions are sped up by 30% and customer wait times are reduced.
They also argue that these systems make employees more efficient and better integrate customer loyalty programs.
However, the self-checkout revolution is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased retail crime, with around 15% of respondents in a Capital One survey admitting to using self-checkout systems to steal from stores.
You might like: This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!
Additionally, there have been instances of skimmer systems being found in self-checkout card readers, prompting warnings to customers.
Lawmakers are also worried about the impact on jobs, fearing that the machines could contribute to job losses in the retail industry.
Source: NBC News / Youtube.
In response to the mixed reception of self-checkout systems, Walmart has experimented with their approach.
Last year, two stores—one in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and another in Cleveland, Ohio—temporarily replaced all self-checkout kiosks with staffed checkout lanes.
The goal was to “provide more personalized and efficient service” and give associates a chance to engage more directly with customers.
Also read: Experts are baffled as America's top supermarket ditches self-checkouts – Find out the real reason why they're doing it!
How do you feel about self-checkout systems? Do you prefer the convenience, or do you miss the personal touch of a cashier? Have you experienced any issues with self-service kiosks? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
But for Washington State residents, that routine could be facing a significant shake-up.
A proposed bill is stirring the pot, threatening to transform the self-checkout experience and potentially hit retailers with hefty fines if they don't comply.
Washington State's lawmakers are not just browsing the legislative aisles–they're filling their legislative cart with a bill that could redefine the self-checkout landscape.
The bill, which is currently under debate, aims to regulate the use of self-checkout systems in grocery stores, particularly those exceeding 15,000 square feet. It recently had its first public hearing last February 12, 2025.
This includes many of the major retailers we know and frequent, such as Walmart, Safeway, and ALDI. Bulk good stores that have memberships like Costco would be exempt.
Washington State is debating a bill that could require changes to Walmart's self-checkout processes, with potential fines for non-compliance. Image source: CNBC / Youtube.
The proposed legislation is not just a light suggestion. If it passes as is, the bill will request stores to implement at least one staffed checkout lane when self-checkouts are open. Stores would also be asked to assign one attendant for every two self-checkout stations in the store.
Stores that fail to adhere to the new rules could face fines of $100 per day, with a cap at $10,000. That's no small change, even for the big players in the retail game.
Washington is the latest state to consider regulating self-checkout systems. As these kiosks become more common, states are grappling with their impact—frustrated customers, potential staffing reductions, and broader changes in grocery store operations.
Furthermore, the bill proposes a 15-item purchase limit for self-checkout transactions. This could mean rethinking your shopping strategy if you're used to ringing up a cartful of goods at the self-service kiosks.
The push for regulation is not unique to Washington. States across the country, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Rhode Island, are grappling with the rise of self-checkout systems.
These machines have grown in popularity, with around 40%of all registers now being self-service, according to Capital One.
The bill suggests implementing at least one staffed checkout lane and one attendant for every two self-checkout stations when they're open, with a 15-item purchase limit on self-checkouts. Image source: CNBC / Youtube.
In fact, more than 95% of Americans have reported using self-checkout in the past year, with approximately 73% percent expressing a preference for these machines over manned registers.
Retailers have embraced self-checkout for its efficiency, claiming that transactions are sped up by 30% and customer wait times are reduced.
They also argue that these systems make employees more efficient and better integrate customer loyalty programs.
However, the self-checkout revolution is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased retail crime, with around 15% of respondents in a Capital One survey admitting to using self-checkout systems to steal from stores.
You might like: This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!
Additionally, there have been instances of skimmer systems being found in self-checkout card readers, prompting warnings to customers.
Lawmakers are also worried about the impact on jobs, fearing that the machines could contribute to job losses in the retail industry.
Source: NBC News / Youtube.
In response to the mixed reception of self-checkout systems, Walmart has experimented with their approach.
Last year, two stores—one in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and another in Cleveland, Ohio—temporarily replaced all self-checkout kiosks with staffed checkout lanes.
The goal was to “provide more personalized and efficient service” and give associates a chance to engage more directly with customers.
Also read: Experts are baffled as America's top supermarket ditches self-checkouts – Find out the real reason why they're doing it!
How do you feel about self-checkout systems? Do you prefer the convenience, or do you miss the personal touch of a cashier? Have you experienced any issues with self-service kiosks? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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