Wal-Mart has dominated the US market for quite some time now and the popularity of the retailer has created several unique problems for customers and the company. Long lines at the checkout counter of many venues has caused concern for Wal-Mart because waiting times may force customers to choose other venue where the wait to purchase goods is not so long. The retailer, who is known for the use of the latest technologies to create competitive advantages, is not waiting for the situation to hurt their business and has started exploring the possibility of using mobile devices to make check out from stores faster.
Reuters reported that the retailing giant had created an initial “Scan & Go” technology and was doing usability tests. The application created by Wal-Mart allows users with iPhones to easily scan products using the phone and then bag their purchases. The customer can then utilize a self-checkout kiosk and be on their way. During the entire process, no Wal-Mart employee is required for a successful checkout. This new feature differs from the company’s current iPhone app which allows shoppers to scan goods to get pricing and other information but does not allow them to self-purchase goods.
The iPhone app feature was put through the paces by selected employees at a Wal-Mart SuperCenter located in Rogers, Arkansas. During the test the company followed the test shoppers around the store, videotaped their every move and then interviewed them to get as much data as possible. The employees were first screened before they were allowed to be part of the test group and were paid $100 and a $25 gift card.
The testing and production of the Scan & Go feature is a project of Walmart Labs which is tasked with creating social and mobile products for Wal-Mart. The latest test seems to spring from Walmart Labs acquisition of iPhone app maker Small Society and mobile POS startup Gabble. There has been no official statement from the retailer about the new feature and it is likely that the testing is part of an initial step from Wal-Mart in figuring out what will work best for them.
Source: VentureBeat
Photo: Walmart
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