[physcab]

I mean, that is a good pitch in theory, that just doesn't resonate with my experience as a consumer in retail.

Go to any store that has self-checkout currently. Usually there is one attendee servicing 4 machines. No one comes up to you to chat, they only come over when theres a problem. When you go to a manned-checkout, they usually ask how you are doing, if you found everything ok, if you want to join a loyalty program...etc. Some of the checkout people I know very well over the years in my community. One even gave my infant daughter free socks because she has grandchildren.

You wont get that in this future. Those checkers will be gone. You'll just have employees minding their own business tending to their work, like you will with yours.

[mikhuang]

I think the idea is that instead of being tied to a cash register, former checkout people would be able to get to know their community better by being free to go anywhere in the store. The Apple Store experience comes to mind for me.