Provided is a system and methods for reducing wait time in a store with a plurality of checkout queues. The system includes an item counting device coupled to a shopping cart. The item counting device includes a weigh sensor and a counter, wherein the counter increments by 1 in response to the weigh sensor detecting an increase in weight as an item is placed within the shopping cart. The system includes an efficiency analyzer that determines a historical efficiency of an employee at a checkout register. Additionally, the system includes proximity processor that receives data from a customer through an input device and outputs a proximity of the customer to a queue. The system has a wait time processor that determines the wait time of a plurality of checkout queues and outputs the same to the customer.