Self-checkout limits being put in for Target. What to know before you shop

Consumers who have dipped inside a Target recently, whether to graze the dollar section or do some actual shopping, have noticed some interesting changes.

The retailer announced they are making changes to its checkout after recently testing limits on the number of items customers can have in self-checkout lanes.

Starting on March 17, express self-checkout lanes with limits of 10 items or fewer will be rolled out at most of Target's nearly 2,000 stores nationwide, the company said in an announcement on Thursday. Some self-checkout lanes might also close entirely at certain hours depending on foot traffic patterns.

"While the hours of operation may vary based on store needs, Express Self-Checkout will be available during the busiest shopping times," Target said in the announcement.

Here's how Target's upcoming changes could impact Floridians.

Why is Target changing its self-checkout lines?

Target shared the change was partially in response to the end of the pandemic, where customers preferred a contactless option.

Back in October, Target spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo told USA TODAY the retailer had been experimenting with self-checkout lanes limited to 10 items or fewer at select locations "in order to reduce wait times and better understand guest preferences."

Earlier this month, he said pilot tests were continuing at select stores to assess "their impact on the overall guest experience."

The retailer's tests with Express Self-Checkout lanes for customers with 10 items or less found the process was "twice as fast at our pilot stores," the company said. "By having the option to pick self-checkout for a quick trip, or a traditional, staffed lane when their cart is full, guests who were surveyed told us the overall checkout experience was better, too."

Will there be more checkout lanes open at Target?

Target stated they will open more checkout lanes staffed with clerks for shoppers "who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand, or just enjoy connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner."

At each location, "store leaders have the flexibility to open more lanes staffed by team members and set self-checkout hours that are right for their store," Target said.

"Checking out is one of the most important moments of the Target run, and we know that a fast, easy experience –whether at self-checkout or the lanes staffed by our friendly team members – is critical to getting guests on their way quickly," the company said in the announcement.

How many Target stores are in Florida?

There are nearly 2,000 Target stores across the United States, with roughly 128 stores found throughout Florida. To locate a store near you, visit Target's directory on its website.

Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Target limits self-checkout to 10 items or fewer. Is Florida included?