The increase in self checkout systems pretty much track in lockstep with the spread of the $15 minimum wage laws among the states. Lots and lots of sensible economists predicted that if you make labor much more expensive by laws that nearly DOUBLED the minimum wage across the country in the span of less than 5 years, you will push companies to reduce the amount of labor costs they pay in other ways. Yes, COVID added to the spread of self checkout, but it started years before that and has much more to do with huge increases in minimum wage mandated by many states.
Here in the isle of man we have a tesco (probally nearest equivalent of wallmart). When they first opened they tried to sell white goods, tvs etc.. and clothes, but the goverment stopped them to protect the local small shops. Of course that hasnt stopped amazon decimating small businesses, sonethibg which i would guess is happening here too.
The increase in self checkout systems pretty much track in lockstep with the spread of the $15 minimum wage laws among the states. Lots and lots of sensible economists predicted that if you make labor much more expensive by laws that nearly DOUBLED the minimum wage across the country in the span of less than 5 years, you will push companies to reduce the amount of labor costs they pay in other ways. Yes, COVID added to the spread of self checkout, but it started years before that and has much more to do with huge increases in minimum wage mandated by many states.
Here in the isle of man we have a tesco (probally nearest equivalent of wallmart). When they first opened they tried to sell white goods, tvs etc.. and clothes, but the goverment stopped them to protect the local small shops. Of course that hasnt stopped amazon decimating small businesses, sonethibg which i would guess is happening here too.