Some retailers and big box stores in the US are moving away from self-checkouts due to theft, and in response to customer concerns, but the director of the Retail Council in Atlantic Canada says self checkouts are here to stay.

Jim Cormier says while some major US stores are moving away from the technology in favour of traditional clerks, in this region, many store owners are trying to make sure that customers have a choice.

He says for some, self-checkouts are ideal for those in a rush with just a few items to check through. Cormier says since the pandemic, they heard from more customers not comfortable with social interactions for fear of the spread of illness. Other customers however prefer dealing with a clerk at the checkout.