Aldi Is Removing Self-Checkout Lanes - And It's Not The Only Grocery Store Doing This. Here Are The Others So Far - Tasting Table

"Self-checkout kiosks are among the most controversial advents in the grocery industry, popular for their convenience yet criticized for being difficult to use and enabling theft. These potential downsides may be why Aldi is getting rid of many self-checkout lanes, joining the growing list of grocery chains that have done the same. During the summer of 2025, Aldi customers began posting to social media about self-checkout systems disappearing from their local stores."

""We continually test and refine our in-store technologies and checkout options to better address customer needs and enhance operational efficiency," an Aldi spokesperson shared in a statement (via Axios Chicago). However, the brand has ensured that "self-checkout will remain available at many Aldi stores." While Aldi has yet to state how many stores will lose their kiosks (and in which areas), online speculation, including comments from self-proclaimed employees on Reddit, alleges that theft is the true culprit behind the move."

Aldi has removed self-checkout kiosks from several stores after customers reported disappearances and the company confirmed removals in early September. The company states it tests and refines in-store technologies and will keep self-checkout available at many locations. Online speculation and comments from self-proclaimed employees on Reddit attribute removals to theft. Self-checkout lanes can reduce efficiency because user errors require staff assistance, and Aldi times and grades staff for speed. Some shoppers prefer fast cashiers, while others miss self-checkout convenience. Other grocery chains across the U.S. have also reduced self-checkout lanes, including Walmart in 2023.

Read at Tasting Table