🛒Jackson's North and South Walmart Getting Rid Of Self Checkout?🛒

Wishing you another Happy Sunday! As the Hub City continues to grow, there are a few things you should know. This is one of them! Crime across the country is up and we mean waaay up! 📈 

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Who’s All Removing Self Checkout?

• How Self Checkout Is Changing & Why!

• Will California Ban Self Checkouts?

• Weekly Events For The Kids. 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family. 🎡

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

Let’s Go!

Who’s All Removing Self Checkout.

So years ago when someone got arrested for shoplifting at Walmart North or South it was a big deal and everyone talked about it. How many times have you been to North or South Walmart and saw someone in handcuffs for stealing? (If we had to guess, it would be often!) The problem is that it has become so normalized that we no longer stop and stare or even care. Sadly shoplifting rose over 26 percent between 2020 - 2021 and remains around those same levels today.

All of this is causing a major shift in the retail market! Which could spell the end of self checkout as major retailers make immediate changes across the country. Take Dollar General, who removed self checkouts at 300 locations this year and plans to convert some or all self checkouts at an additional 9,000 locations. 5,000 of those locations are in Jackson 🤣 but seriously Jackson has a whooping 14 Dollar General’s, so some of our locations will be impacted by this.

On the other end Walmart, has removed self checkout at 5 locations and since 2023 has closed 17 stores due to theft. 
So let’s put this into perspective!
Most Walmart Supercenters have around 25 self checkout machines. Most Dollar Generals have about 5 self checkout machines. So for every Walmart that removes self checkout, it would be the equivalent of 5 Dollar Generals doing the same.

As retailers face increasing theft, they are not only removing self-checkout machines but also introducing new technologies to address the problem.

How Self Checkout Is Changing!

In order to avoid closing more locations, Walmart introduced a new theft deterrent device that allows employees to discreetly watch shoppers in self-checkout from “TC Devices”.

These devices allow employees to discreetly monitor customers’ purchases and notifies the employees when a customer is suspected of shoplifting. All of this is to help avoid more store closures but Walmart is not alone in this. Target closed 9 stores since 2023, Dollar Tree recently announced that it plans to close 30 of its locations and 600 Family Dollar locations by the end of 2024. (Side Note: Yes Dollar Tree owns Family Dollar.) 😅 

Retailers are creating a whole new meaning to the phrase “Know Your Limit!”

Self Checkout Limits
Target - 10 Items
Schnucks - 10 Items
Five Below - 5 to 10 Items
Dollar General - 5 to 10 Items
Walmart - 10 Items

And rumors are swirling that Kroger and many other regional grocery chains are considering doing the same.

Now when you factor in how the

• Jobs Market 👷 

• Housing Market 🏠️ 

• Financial Sector 💳️ 

• The Local Economy 🏪 

• And National Economy 🇺🇸 

Have all changed since 2020. And many of these companies started spending money on introducing self checkout machines way back in 2013. These companies have bet billions of dollars on self checkouts and now many are rolling back their plans and rehiring actual cashiers again! We can guarantee that over the next 1 - 2 years Walmart and other grocery retailers will gradually raise prices in order to cover this new cost. While technology plays a crucial role in tackling theft, legislative measures are also being considered to reshape the future of self-checkout. And California is leading the charge with their proposed changes.

Will California Ban Self Checkouts?

In May, California legislators officially put forth legislation that could bring changes to the way self checkout operates. California does not plan to ban self checkout but they will change the way it currently operates. Here are the proposed requirements:

• All Self Checkouts Are Limited To 10 Items Or Less.

• At Least One Manual Checkout Station Is Staffed.

• Certain Items Are Prohibited (Alcohol and Tobacco).

• Two Stations Per Employee.

• Employees Who’s Monitoring A Self Checkout Lane Is Relieved Of All Other Duties.

Why This Matters!

If this passes in California, there is no doubt that it will start a ripple effect in other states! Each state will start placing their own restrictions based on the issues they are facing. This could lead to a situation where it not only varies state to state but from city to city as well. Like Evanston, Illinois where they tried to place a $5,000 tax on self checkout machines! (Don’t worry it didn’t pass!) 😅 But the message is that they tried and where they failed another city might success!

We don’t have a crystal ball but if limits at self-checkout doesn’t solve the issue of theft the next step will be removing self-checkouts entirely. If that does not work then these stores will start to close their doors.

Alright now we know this topic might have been a bit more serious but that does not mean it was not needed.

If you stay with us for the long haul we will do our best to strike a balance between creating informative, witty, and slightly playful articles in our newsletter on topics that impact you in the HubCity or surrounding areas. As always here is your curated list of events this week! ❤️ 

Monday, June 3rd

1st of the Month Monday Night Dinner & Bingo
Date: Monday, June 3rd
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $10 Per Plate (Dinner and Bingo)
Meal: Mexican Meatloaf, Spanish Rice, & Side Salad - Drink Included

Tuesday, June 4th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movies)
Date: Tuesday, June 4th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: The Angry Birds Movie 2 & Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Price: Free

Wednesday, June 5th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movies)
Date: Wednesday, June 5th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: The Angry Birds Movie 2 & Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Price: Free

Thursday, June 6th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movies)
Date: Thursday, June 6th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: The Angry Birds Movie 2 & Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Price: Free

Friday, June 7th

First Friday Art Walk
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM CDT
Location: Downtown Jackson
Details: Explore local art scenes throughout Downtown Jackson during the First Friday Art Walk.

The Goonies - Interactive Movie At The Main Library
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Jackson Madison County (Main) Library
Price: Free (Light Snacks Provided)

Saturday, June 8th

Community Yard Sale @ Bethel
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Bethel Springs United Pentecostal Church
Price: Free Entry (Item Pricing Varies)

Heart of the Hub City Dance Night
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Location: City Hall
Price: Free
Details: A family-friendly dance event celebrating the community.

Fishing Field Day At Lone Oaks Farm
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Noon)
Location: Lone Oaks Farm
Price: Free 
Requirements: Must Register In Advance (Youth Must Bring An Adult To Fish.)

Ride The Cyclone Auditions
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: The Carnegie
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company

Henry County Summerfest
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Henry County Fairgrounds (Over 80 Vendors)
Price: Free Entry (Vendor Prices Vary)

Sunday, June 9th

Ride The Cyclone Auditions
Date: Sunday, June 9th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: The Carnegie
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company

Monday, June 3rd

1st of the Month Monday Night Dinner & Bingo
Date: Monday, June 3rd
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $10 Per Plate (Dinner and Bingo)
Meal: Mexican Meatloaf, Spanish Rice, & Side Salad - Drink Included

Tuesday, June 4th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movies)
Date: Tuesday, June 4th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: The Angry Birds Movie 2 & Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Price: Free

Jackson Rockabillies vs Cape Catfish (Baseball)
Date: Tuesday, June 4th 
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Jackson Baseball Stadium
Price: $6 - $14 (Prices Vary Based On Seating)

Wednesday, June 5th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movies)
Date: Wednesday, June 5th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: The Angry Birds Movie 2 & Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Price: Free

Thursday, June 6th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movies)
Date: Thursday, June 6th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: The Angry Birds Movie 2 & Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Price: Free

Friday, June 7th

The Goonies - Interactive Movie At The Main Library
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Jackson Madison County (Main) Library
Price: Free (Light Snacks Provided)

Pride And Prejudice
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 7:00 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: $20 (Get Tickets Here)

First Friday Art Walk
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM CDT
Location: Downtown Jackson
Details: Explore local art scenes throughout Downtown Jackson during the First Friday Art Walk.

AMP Concert Series: Bryan Moffitt
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM CDT
Location: The AMP
Details: Enjoy live music featuring Bryan Moffitt at The AMP.

WORLD'S OLDEST BBQ COOKING CONTEST & FESTIVAL
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Cobb-Parr Memorial Park
Price: Free Entry (Food Prices Vary)

Orangetheory Fitness Jackson Kickoff Party
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Orangetheory Jackson
Price: Free (Enter For Giveaways & Prizes)

Saturday, June 8th

WORLD'S OLDEST BBQ COOKING CONTEST & FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Cobb-Parr Memorial Park
Price: Free Entry (Food Prices Vary)

Heart of the Hub City Dance Night
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Location: City Hall
Price: Free
Details: A family-friendly dance event celebrating the community.

Fishing Field Day At Lone Oaks Farm
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Noon)
Location: Lone Oaks Farm
Price: Free 
Requirements: Must Register In Advance (Youth Must Bring An Adult To Fish.)

Pride And Prejudice
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 2:30 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: $20 (Get Tickets Here)

Pride And Prejudice
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 7:00 PM 
Location: First United Methodist Church
Price: $20 (Get Tickets Here)

Traditional Skills & Fiberwork Guild
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: the LOCAL

Orangetheory Fitness Jackson Kickoff Party
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Orangetheory Jackson
Price: Free (Enter For Giveaways & Prizes)

Community Yard Sale @ Bethel Church
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Bethel Springs United Pentecostal Church
Price: Free Entry (Item Pricing Varies)

Ride The Cyclone Auditions
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: The Carnegie
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company

Henry County Summerfest
Date: Saturday, June 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Henry County Fairgrounds (Over 80 Vendors)
Price: Free Entry (Vendor Prices Vary)

Sunday, June 9th

Ride The Cyclone Auditions
Date: Sunday, June 9th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: The Carnegie
Event By: Hub City Theatre Company