Walmart's 'Scan & Go' Helps Consumers Skip the Checkout Line
Laura McQuarrie — August 11, 2017 — Business
References: chainstoreage
Across 12 of its stores in the United States, Walmart is testing its Scan & Go mobile app as a new way for consumers to shop for items.
With the app, consumers are able to scan the barcode on a piece of merchandise and instantly add it to their shopping cart. As the app keeps a running tally on the goods added to one's cart, a consumer is simply able to checkout using just their mobile device and bypass the checkout line. As part of the trial for the Scan & Go mobile app, Walmart has set up what it calls "express bullpen areas" at the front of stores so that orders may be shown to store associates before they are able to pay for their goods via the app; these stations also serve as areas for bagging items.
Alongside its Scan & Go stations, Walmart has been experimenting with a number of new technologies as of late, including everything from virtual reality training simulators to in-store facial recognition systems to improve customer service.
With the app, consumers are able to scan the barcode on a piece of merchandise and instantly add it to their shopping cart. As the app keeps a running tally on the goods added to one's cart, a consumer is simply able to checkout using just their mobile device and bypass the checkout line. As part of the trial for the Scan & Go mobile app, Walmart has set up what it calls "express bullpen areas" at the front of stores so that orders may be shown to store associates before they are able to pay for their goods via the app; these stations also serve as areas for bagging items.
Alongside its Scan & Go stations, Walmart has been experimenting with a number of new technologies as of late, including everything from virtual reality training simulators to in-store facial recognition systems to improve customer service.
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Shopping Apps - The rise of mobile shopping apps like Walmart's Scan & Go offers convenience and efficiency for consumers, eliminating the need for traditional checkout lines.
2. Self-checkout Technologies - Stores like Walmart are exploring self-checkout technologies to enhance the shopping experience and streamline the checkout process.
3. Technological Innovations in Retail - Walmart's experimentation with technologies like virtual reality training and facial recognition shows a growing trend of implementing innovative solutions to improve customer service in retail.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry can leverage mobile shopping apps and self-checkout technologies to transform the customer shopping experience and increase efficiency.
2. Mobile App Development - The demand for mobile shopping apps like Scan & Go presents opportunities for mobile app developers to create innovative and user-friendly solutions for retailers.
3. Technology Solutions for Retail - The increasing adoption of technologies like virtual reality and facial recognition in retail opens up a market for technology companies to provide innovative solutions for improving customer service.
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