Dollar General

Major retailers are reversing course on self-checkout, scaling back or removing the machines from stores. The shift follows widespread shopper frustration with malfunctioning scanners, constant staff interventions, accusations of theft, and research suggesting the kiosks drive up losses without clear cost savings. Social media users have long complained about the checkout experience, and those discussions are now being cited as evidence of why chains like Walmart, Target and Dollar General are rethinking the technology.

Retail investors on Stocktwits rotated into defensive consumer staples this week, with Costco, Dollar General and Walmart leading sector gains. The Stocktwits 'Retail Therapy' feature highlighted the shift as traders sought safety in stable, dividend-friendly names. Dollar General was among the notable standouts as defensive bets took off across the sector.