Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is facing a significant shift in how it does business—starting in Long Beach, California. In a move that could ripple across the retail landscape, the city has passed a landmark ordinance that places strict limitations on self-checkout usage. The goal? Tackle rising shoplifting rates, boost safety, and reinject the human touch into an increasingly automated shopping experience.
One Worker, Two Terminals – Or Pay the Price
The new law mandates that no employee may oversee more than two self-checkout machines at a time. Additionally, retailers are now required to keep at least one traditional checkout lane open at all times. If they fail to comply, it’s not just a slap on the wrist—violations can result in fines of up to $2,500 per instance.
With dozens of checkout lanes in some Walmart locations, that’s a potential avalanche of penalties.
The End of the Self-Checkout Era?
This marks a striking turn for Walmart, which has long championed automation as the path to efficiency. The retailer has invested heavily in self-checkout technology, not only to streamline operations but also to navigate a tight labour market and rising wage costs.
However, the tide may be turning. Critics of self-checkout argue it enables theft, reduces human interaction, and leaves customers to fend for themselves when machines inevitably malfunction. In Long Beach, city officials believe the risks now outweigh the benefits.
According to police data, petty theft in the city rose by 16% from 2023 to 2024, with many incidents linked to self-checkout areas. The response? Bring back the staff.
A Win for Workers – And Unions
The move has been warmly received by retail workers and their unions, who have long argued that the self-checkout boom led to job losses, heavier workloads, and less security. Linda Molina, a union representative in Long Beach, applauded the ordinance: “More people on the floor means safer stores and better service. It’s a step forward for both workers and customers.”
There’s also the promise of new job opportunities, particularly for entry-level workers. If other cities follow Long Beach’s lead, this could help reverse a trend of job reductions caused by the rise of retail automation.
Retailers Push Back – “A Step Too Far”
Business groups, however, aren’t sold. The California Retailers Association and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce have both criticised the law as an overreaction. They argue that hiring more staff to man self-checkout stations could increase operational costs and, inevitably, drive prices higher for consumers.
“This ordinance doesn’t address the root causes of theft,” said Celeste Wilson of the Chamber. “It simply adds more expense and complexity for businesses already struggling with inflation, supply chain issues, and changing consumer habits.”
Retailers have also pointed out that self-checkout is evolving. From AI-powered cameras to weight-detection sensors, the technology is becoming more sophisticated at flagging suspicious activity and ensuring accurate purchases.
A Balancing Act Between People and Progress
This isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s a philosophical one. At its core, the debate pits technology against tradition. Should retail continue down the road of automation, or pivot back to a more human-centric approach?
Long Beach says the answer lies somewhere in between. The city council insists that retail’s future must blend tech with human presence, creating an experience that is both secure and personable.
For Walmart, the stakes are high. What started as a local mandate could soon inspire similar legislation in other cities or states. If so, the company and its peers will be forced to rethink their entire checkout strategy—from store design to staffing, from cost structures to customer experience.
And for shoppers? That quick dash through the self-checkout lane might be replaced by a longer wait—and maybe even a bit of small talk with a cashier.
It’s the end of an era, perhaps, and the beginning of a new one where efficiency isn’t everything, and retail reconnects with the people behind the purchases.