Retail
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March 26, 2025
A recent study surveying Americans nationwide has highlighted a significant correlation between the prevalence of self-checkout systems and increased reports of dishonest shopping practices, according to a Jeffbet report. The survey revealed that a substantial 81% of respondents believe the introduction and widespread use of self-checkout has directly contributed to a rise in theft within retail environments.
Among the dishonest behaviors reported, intentionally not scanning items at self-checkout was identified as a common practice, suggesting that the automated nature of these systems may create opportunities for theft. Notably, major retailers such as Walmart and Target were cited as locations where this type of self-checkout-related dishonesty is particularly prevalent.
The survey also explored the long-term implications of this trend, with 67% of respondents expressing concern that escalating theft rates could ultimately lead to the removal of self-checkout systems altogether. While the study focused on self-checkout, it also acknowledged the broader economic context, with 89% of Americans attributing the overall increase in dishonest shopping behaviors to inflationary pressures.