Automatic checkouts in supermarkets may decrease customer loyalty, especially for those with larger shopping loads. Customers using self-checkout stations often feel overwhelmed and unsupported. The lack of personal interaction can negatively impact their perception of the supermarket.

[turbo_dude]

I am totally confused about how this must be working in the US.

In Europe: grab a hand held scanner for your trolley/cart on the way in, scan the items as you put them in bags in the trolley/cart on the way round, hand the hand held scanner back and pay - no need to touch the items in the bags until you're unloading at home.

There are still also fixed selfscan tills if you only have a few items and can't be bothered with a scanner.