Counter and Rental Clerks

Today many routine clerk tasks are already handled by machines or software. For example, computing prices and taking payments is often done by digital point-of-sale systems or self-checkout kiosks. Nearly half of retailers report converting cash register lanes to self-checkouts ^[1], letting computers scan items and take payments automatically.

Similarly, taking orders (for rentals or repairs) and answering phones is increasingly managed by AI-driven systems. Analysts note the “AI call center” market is booming (valued over $1B and growing ~23% annually ^[2]), with voice bots and chatbots handling basic inquiries. Still, studies find many customers prefer talking to a human – for instance, one report says 7 out of 10 callers want a real person on the line ^[2] – so current AI tools are used to assist staff rather than fully replace them.

Retailers adopt these tools at different speeds based on costs, labor, and customer attitudes. On one hand, the technology is widely available and can improve efficiency. Big chains are heavily investing in AI: a 2022 survey found 82% of retailers plan more tech spending, and many are adding self-checkout or contactless kiosks ^[1].

Research shows staff often welcome this — for example, 83% of retail workers said self-checkouts freed them to do higher-value tasks and better serve customers ^[1]. With many stores short-staffed and facing higher wages, companies see long-term gains in savings and convenience from automation (TIME reports firms are turning to automation to cope with a shrinking labor pool ^[6]). Also, consumers (especially younger ones) seem open to AI help: one study found 80% of shoppers who haven’t tried AI yet want assistance, and 55% explicitly said they’d like to use a chatbot or virtual shopping assistant ^[5].