It's thankfully still an option not to use self-checkouts. I sometimes do that if I have one item only, but basically always queue to an actual cashier.

That's not always the case.

Lowes got rid of all cashiers and went to 0 armed bandits (self checkouts).

Menard's has hidden policies which you don't find out until you're at the receiving end. Hut they have human cashiers.

I loved the early days when nobody touched the self-checkouts and it was like an additional choice.

Not surprising that they’ve titrated the cashier lines to always be much longer.

At least it’s not a government again giving you quick service if you sign away your rights with a lineup around the block for those that with to assert their rights.

I’m also thankful that my local grocery store is subject to a massive development proposal, so they’re not bothering with capital improvements like self-checkout.

The option is becoming rare amongst most large retailers I frequent and only exists in my local Home Depots if I go stand through the contractor lines in the lumber section.

I've gotten used to the expectation that I will be my own cashier at most places, but I'm not OK assuming any liability that comes with my lack of cashier skillset/training which is what they want.