Cashierless stores set to redefine shopping
Copenhagen’s Weekday boutique, a streetwear brand under H&M Group, operates without cashiers. Shoppers scan item tags with their phones, drop off hangers and security tags at the exit, and leave without stopping at a register.
Retailers adopt cashierless checkout as the new standard
Self-service payment systems are expanding beyond experimental stores. Apple announced this week that retailers can now accept contactless payments using only an iPhone, removing the need for dedicated terminals. The feature, called Tap to Pay on iPhone, will launch later this year, letting customers pay with Apple Pay or contactless cards by tapping their device against a store’s phone.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, stated the company is simplifying payment acceptance for businesses of all sizes to help them grow.
The global self-checkout system market reached $3.1 billion in 2020. Analysts project it will grow to $5.9 billion by 2026. Though some customers find the process awkward, industry experts expect it to become the default over time.
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Forrester forecasts contactless checkouts will gain wider use in 2022. Over half of U.S. retailers already offer contactless payments in-store, and 57% of American adults who used them during the pandemic intend to continue. Morten Mogelmose, CEO of Zliide—the company behind Weekday’s system—described self-checkout as a cost-saving measure that also improves the customer experience.
Fashion retailers adjust security for seamless shopping
Bringing self-checkout to fashion requires modifications. Zliide replaces standard security tags with its own version, which functions as both an anti-theft device and a payment tool. Customers scan the tag through an app, complete the purchase, and remove it before leaving.
Mogelmose believes physical stores will remain, though their purpose is changing. The challenge lies in balancing speed, cost, and security—determining whether customers prefer scanning items themselves or walking out without any interaction.
Hybrid shopping habits are speeding up this transition. Many consumers research products online before visiting a store or buy items digitally and pick them up in person. Self-checkout aims to make in-store purchases as quick as clicking “buy now” from home.
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Some retailers are adding digital wallets to their apps to reduce friction. The focus isn’t just efficiency—it’s creating an effortless experience.
Technology still has room for improvement. Mogelmose expects future solutions to prioritize faster deployment and lower costs for retailers. The shift toward cashierless checkout is inevitable, though adoption speed remains uncertain. Shoppers may eventually stop noticing the difference.
The main obstacle isn’t the technology but customer trust. Some prefer human interaction, while others fear errors or security risks. As more stores implement these systems, resistance may decrease, turning what once felt new into a routine part of shopping.
The checkout line is no longer mandatory.
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