When I’m shopping I want to get my stuff, and get out, even when I buy a lot of stuff. I do that faster than waiting in line for a register on average. Plus then i don’t have to talk to someone which is nice.
There should be both. Self check and a few clerks. Let people choose.
I hate corporations in general for their greed but even I understand why you can’t have all Lanes manned. Because I have worked retail and while there are definitely some busy hours Where things get crazy, the majority of the day would be dead and those people would have nothing to do.
This is why both is good, have 2-3 (for most larger stores) cashier lanes open and two sets of 4 (so 8) self checks open. Let people choose their presence