Imagine being able to scan your items as you are walking though Walmart before even getting in line. Soon that may be a reality.
Last week, Walmart had employees with iPhones at its Rogers, Arkansas store to participate in a test of the system, which is called “Scan & Go.” Instead of scanning the items at checkout, customers could use the app to scan items as they add them to their shopping cart, then pay for the items at a self check out line.
“We’re continually testing new and innovative ways to serve customers and enhance the shopping experience in our stores,” Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar told Reuters.
This movement is all part of a recently launched mobile-commerce company, called Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX). Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and Lowe’s are among the many companies that have signed up for the initiative.
According to Mike Cook, corporate vice president and assistant treasurer at Walmart,
“MCX will leverage mobile technology to give consumers a faster and more convenient shopping experience while eliminating unnecessary costs for all stakeholders. The MCX platform will employ secure technology to deliver an efficiency-enhancing mobile solution available to all merchant categories, including retail stores, casual dining, petroleum and e-commerce.”
The new app does not allow customers to complete purchases, but definitely speed up the check out process.
Would you like an app like this or do you think this is another way “Big Brother” is tracking us? Comment back and let us know!
