US retailers look to smartphones to cut the checkout line

Customer Steve Hyzny uses the new Scan and Go App on his cell phone while shopping at the Sam's Club Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 in Hodgkins, Ill. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune/TNS)

CHICAGO: Self-checkout is supposed to be a time-saver. But that's before you're admonished about an "unexpected item in bagging area." 

Or before you struggle to pick precisely which barcode-free apples are in your cart – Honeycrisp or Gala? Regular or organic? Or before you accidentally hit the button to pay with credit when you meant debit.