PatchChat: Supermarkets Cut Back on Self-Checkout Lanes

In the age of the E-ZPass and ATMs, this may come as a big surprise: Fewer shoppers are using self-checkout lines, according to a new survey.

From the Associated Press:

Market studies cited by the Arlington, VA-based Food Marketing Institute found only 16 percent of supermarket transactions in 2010 were done at self-checkout lanes in stores that provided the option. That's down from a high of 22 percent three years ago.

Overall, people reported being much more satisfied with their supermarket experience when they used traditional cashier-staffed lanes.

The popularity drop was pinned partly on user confusion over how to use coupons, general delays, and slower checkout machines. Some said they liked the human interaction. In that case, there's long-term hope for bank tellers.

For those perfectly happy with the current system, don't fret. , which has two stores in New Rochelle, seems to have no plan to roll back their system.

Suzi Robinson, a spokeswoman for the company, said in the AP report that "our philosophy is giving customers options. People shop in different ways and we want to accommodate their preferences.

Stop & Shop has self-serve lanes in about 85 percent of its nearly 400 stores.

So what do you think of the self-checkout lanes? Answer our poll and leave your comments below.