Yes, transactions have changed dramatically in recent years. Many more shoppers buy online and have merchandise delivered. BUT, the popularity of the checkout counter for in-store transactions may surprise you.

As eMarketer reports: 

“The traditional checkout model is undergoing a major technological overhaul. But consumers aren’t necessarily ready to replace their human cashiers. A July 2018 poll by CivicScience found that 57% of U.S. Internet users prefer to use cashiers when purchasing items in store. Just one-third of respondents said the self-checkout line was the preferred option.”

“Similar to use of other in-store technologies, age is a contributing factor for self-checkout preferences.  75% of respondents ages 55 or older, and 55% of those 35 to 54, would rather wait in line for a cashier than head over to an area set up with self-service registers. Millennials (those 18 to 34) were found to be divided on what kind of checkout experience they prefer. Slightly less than half (46%) prefer self-checkout, while 39% said they like a cashier-led interaction instead. With more millennials favoring self-checkout, CivicScience concludes that the role of the cashier may become obsolete as younger consumers mature and adoption is more widespread. “