Publix is changing its 10-items-or-less express lane policy as the supermarket chain seeks to reduce checkout wait times.

The Florida-based grocer says the change gives employees more flexibility to manage lines and customer traffic, according to the Miami Herald.

"To better serve our customers and improve checkout efficiency, we recently updated our express lane process to provide associates with greater flexibility in managing customer flow. Rather than adhering to a specific item limit, our focus is on reducing wait times and ensuring customers can be served as efficiently as possible,” Lindsey Willis, Publix’s media relations manager for South and Central Florida, told the outlet.

Publix has not explained exactly how the express lanes will work without a specific item limit. Willis also did not say whether cashiers will have the option to direct customers with especially large orders to a regular checkout lane.

The transition also appears to be happening gradually. Some Publix stores have already removed the 10-item language from their express lane signs, while others still have the old signs posted despite the policy change, the Miami Herald reports.

The Independent has contacted Publix for comment.** **

Publix is headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, and operates more than 1,400 supermarkets across Florida, as well as Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.