More kiosks, fewer cashiers, and a steady push toward shoppers doing the scanning themselves. Then, in 2026, the country’s largest retailer started pulling machines out of at least one store. It raised questions about theft, labor, customer patience and what automation actually delivers. A company spokesperson told The Philadelphia Inquirer the change followed a review of how customers shop at that store. Walmart framed it as a local decision rather than a company-wide verdict on the technology.