Self Check Out Systems have been a part of our shopping experience for over three decades, promising efficiency and cost savings. From their introduction by a pioneering company in Florida in 1987 to their current status as a staple in supermarkets and convenience stores worldwide, self-checkouts have been both praised and criticized. But as they become more prevalent, a critical question is being asked: have they truly delivered on their promises? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the challenges these systems present and the unexpected consequences for everyone involved in the retail experience. Join Skip and Samantha and learn the answers to these questions: Have self-checkout systems achieved their initial goals of reducing labor costs and providing lower prices to consumers? What factors have contributed to the rapid increase in the adoption of self-checkout systems in recent years? With growing customer frustrations and the issue of shoplifting, how are retailers around the world reevaluating their self-checkout strategies? Skip and Samantha also explain and give examples of these useful business words and phrases: To dread (verb / adjective) An uptick (noun) To be mounting (adjective)