With self-checkout machines suddenly everywhere you may be wondering…with no one to watch shoppers, don’t they just steal stuff?
The answer, in short, is yes. While technology can improve a lot of things, it can’t change human nature.
But, say retail industry experts, for many stores, the machines are worth the hassle. Indeed, shops ranging from superstores like Target and Walmart to convenience chain CVS to local mom-and-pop groceries have all been adding machines. One recent study suggested globally, self-checkout could continue to grow 10% a year for the next five years.
So what gives? While shoppers may love or hate self-checkout, for stores it often comes down to one thing: Machines mean fewer cashiers, and that can translate to big savings, even if it encourages some shoppers to take the five-fingered discount.
Continue reading: http://money.com/money/5657848/shelf-checkout-encourages-shoplifting/