They've been experimenting with self-service checkouts for decades. I remember being a young teen in the 70s, and going to a store with my grandma, who was a vocal union supporter.

We were waiting in line, and a girl kept trying to get people to come over and try their new self-serve line. She asked my grandma a few times, before my grandmother, who worked in the fur department of a major department store, said sharply "Listen, young lady, I'm trying to save your JOB! I don't work for this store, I want an EMPLOYEE to ring me up."

That statement has been a huge influence on my life, and how I view the world.