(NewsNation) — Retail giant Walmart is limiting self checkout lanes in some stores to make more space for Spark delivery drivers and Walmart+ subscribers.
Several Walmart shoppers have reported seeing reserved lanes for app users and delivery drivers that are not available for general patrons, according to Business Insider.
Those not using either the Walmart or Spark app have to use the full-service lanes, the outlet reports.
Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington told the outlet that the blocked off checkout lanes are not mandatory and that store managers can adjust these to best fit their customers.
“Based on several factors including customer and associate feedback, shopping patterns, and business needs, some locations are temporarily testing different checkout staffing options,” Pennington told Business Insider.
While access appears to depend on app subscriptions, the new changes are also not in an effort to increase Walmart app memberships, he said.
Walmart appears to be following in the footsteps of other retailers who have made similar changes to self checkouts.
Shoppers at Target stores have said they have also seen limited self-checkout lanes and shorter self checkout hours, and that they have a ten item or less policy, reported The Street. The move has appeared to anger shoppers who have taken to social media to vent their frustrations.
