Walmart tests app that lets shoppers skip checkout lines

Walmart tests app that lets shoppers skip checkout lines
This Thursday, June 1, 2017, photo shows a Walmart store in Hialeah Gardens, Fla. Walmart is bringing back an app that lets shoppers skip the checkout line and pay for items themselves on their smartphone. The retailer first tested a version of the app, called Scan & Go, in 2013. But it discontinued it after customers said it was confusing to use. Walmart says it learned from the initial test and redesigned the app to make it easier to use. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Walmart is bringing back an app that lets shoppers skip the checkout line and pay for items themselves on their smartphones.

It first tested a of the app, called Scan & Go, in 2013. But it discontinued it after customers said it was confusing to use. The retailer said Wednesday that it learned from the initial test and redesigned the app to make it easier to use.

A test of the updated Scan & Go app began this year at some stores in Houston, Orlando, Florida, and near Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. The test is now being expanded to stores in Dallas and Nashville, Tennessee.

The company, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., declined to say exactly how many stores are taking part in the test.

With the app, scan items with their phone as they shop. When they're done, they can pay for the items through the same app. Customers have to show their phones to employees on their way out to prove that they paid.

Walmart said the app has been available at all of its Sam's Club warehouse stores since October.

© 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Citation: Walmart tests app that lets shoppers skip checkout lines (2017, August 9) retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2017-08-walmart-app-shoppers-checkout-lines.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Wal-Mart expands test of mobile checkout program

2 shares

Feedback to editors