Target Unveils ‘first-of-its-kind’ Self-Checkout Stations for Better Accessibility, Autonomy
Target earlier this month announced what it describes as a “first-of-its-kind” in-store innovation: accessible self-checkout kiosks. The new technology will roll out in the United States starting with the holiday season and continue throughout early 2026.
“A father stands beside his daughter at a Target self-checkout. She has low vision, and for the first time, she’s navigating the process on her own. He guides her through each step, offering quiet support as she scans an item. A soft beep sounds, followed by a clear voice reading the total. Her fingers move confidently across the tactile controller, guided by feel and sound rather than sight. The experience feels intuitive and empowering,” Target wrote in its announcement. “Thanks to Target’s new accessible self-checkout, moments like this will soon be possible for more guests across the country. Designed with and for disabled guests and people with disabilities, this solution is the first of its kind in U.S. retail. Rolling out to self-checkout stations nationwide beginning this holiday season and continuing through early 2026, it’s part of Target’s ongoing checkout improvements, reflecting our commitment to creating joyful, guest-first experiences that help all families feel seen, supported and welcome.”
The checkout system features a mix of hardware and software, including Braille and high-contrast icons, a tactile navigation button, and a headphone jack with adjustable volume. Target worked “closely” with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), of which the company said “provided valuable feedback throughout the development, design and testing process,” adding the feedback “directly shaped the technology.”
Target goes on to reveal the father-daughter duo was a Blind man named Steve D, with her daughter being low vision. Notably, Steve works at Target as a user experience accessibility manager, with the company saying both he and his daughter “have spent years navigating stores that weren’t designed for them” while adding Steve worked on building the new accessible systems. The experience is profound, according to Steve.
“Shopping with my daughter and teaching her how to use the self-checkout, that was powerful,” he said in the post. “It’s not just tech. It’s joy, independence and change.”
The NFB is enthusiastic too.
“Target’s new accessible self-checkout experience is unique not only because it is a first in the industry, but because it was designed through collaboration with the blind, incorporating our technical expertise and lived experience,” Mark Riccobono, NFB’s president, said in a statement for Target’s announcement. “The rollout of this innovation further establishes Target as an industry leader in accessibility and a true partner of the blind in our quest for equal access to all aspects of modern life.”
It’s good to hear Target is investing in accessibility; the new checkout kiosks not only foster inclusion, they also instill independence. As an avid Target shopper myself, I typically go to a line with a human cashier, but do use self-checkout at other retailers. Even with low vision, I manage just fine, but do lament smallish text size, laggy touchscreens, and barcode scanning. To the latter, it oftentimes is difficult to find it on the product; this slows me down and stresses me out—especially if people are waiting.
