[z9znz]

The human operated lanes still exist in my store. Many people use them, and they do have chats at the checkout line.

And no offense :), but I don't go to the grocery store to make friends. I have much better or more interesting things to do. If I could get fast reliable delivery and not even have to go, I would choose that option.

The point relevant to the OP is that self-checkout systems can be implemented well.

[unethical_ban]

I think the idea of making acquaintance with people in one's community is what has held society together historically, and the derision for human interaction with others (shopping, eating, pub, etc) is the downfall of civil society.

[z9znz]

I chat with the cafe owner on my street fairly often.

My grocery store, however, is 20 minutes away in a neighboring town. They have a large staff which is in frequent rotation. The staff also is mostly early 20s or younger age. Add all these things up, and it just doesn't make much sense for me (or them) to go out of our way to socialize.