News: Page (1) of 1 - 08/31/12

email article

print page

More Related Stories

Exclusive: Walmart tests iPhone item scanning at Arkansas store

By Jessica Wohl

(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc is testing a "Scan & Go" system that would allow shoppers to scan items using their iPhones and then quickly pay at a self-checkout counter.

Earlier this week, Walmart invited employees with Apple Inc iPhones to participate in a test at a Walmart supercenter in Rogers, Arkansas, near the company's headquarters, according to a form on the Survey Monkey website (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/selfcheckout).

While self-checkout aisles are common at many stores, the ability to scan items with one's mobile phone while shopping is not a typical process. Supervalu Inc's Jewel-Osco chain once let shoppers use hand-held scanners and then enter that information at the checkout to pay, but that test ended years ago.

A push to get other participants, including Walmart employees' friends and family, appeared to have also been emailed this week by someone from the company's @WalmartLabs team, but could not be verified on Friday afternoon.

"We're continually testing new and innovative ways to serve customers and enhance the shopping experience in our stores," said Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar.

(Reporting by Jessica Wohl in Chicago; editing by Matthew Lewis)

Page: 1