I've grown to tolerate the self-checkout process. I can get in and out quickly if I only have a few items, and there's still someone there to help if I mess up. But that begs the question for some, why don't they just use those employees as cashiers in checkout lines? Not to mention the waste of space with the empty checkout aisles.

Like it or not, the process is probably here to stay and the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that two area retailers are increasing their use of it, just ahead of the holiday season.

Nearly a dozen new self-checkouts are reportedly up and running at the Collins Road Hy-Vee. Edgewood Road Hy-Vee near the Fountains Building as well as Iowa City's Waterfront Hy-Vee are adding more. Wal-Mart was one of the earliest to phase in having predominantly self-checkout options and their main store in Fayetteville, Arkansas was the first anywhere to go all self-checkout. The new Target in Iowa City includes five self-checkouts and three traditional cashier lines. A Target spokesperson said their customers in general seem to prefer the do-it-yourself route.

The biggest issues people have with self-checkout is doing a job someone else is paid to do, and those people losing their jobs. The United States Department of Labor says the move to self-checkout will lead to a 7 percent decrease in cashier jobs by 2029. Store managers say it gives them the flexibility to move those employees to the sales floor or other areas of the store.

But old habits die hard and Hy-Vee spokesperson Dawn Buzynski says there will always be those who prefer to stand in line waiting to be checked out by a paid employee. She says that helpful smile in the aisle that many still prefer will remain a presence in their stores and will continue to be able to accommodate those people.

What are your thoughts about do-it-yourself checkout at your favorite retailers?

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