Apparatus and method for operating a checkout system which has a number of payment devices for tendering payment during an assisted checkout transaction

A method of operating an assisted checkout terminal includes the step of operating a scanner associated with the checkout terminal so as to allow retail personnel to enter a number of items for purchase into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of generating an end-of-itemization control signal in response to an indication by the retail personnel that a last item for purchase of the number of items for purchase has been entered into the checkout terminal. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating a currency acceptor associated with the checkout terminal so as to allow a customer to tender payment for the number of items for purchase in response to generation of the end-of-itemization control signal. The checkout terminal includes a customer side and a personnel side which is opposite the customer side. Retail personnel is positioned on the personnel side of the checkout terminal during both the scanner operating step and the currency acceptor operating step. The customer is positioned on the customer side of the checkout terminal during both the scanner operating step and the currency acceptor operating step. An assisted retail terminal is also disclosed.