The U.S. retailer was allowing shoppers to use the kiosk to scan the items in their carts without taking them out
Mar 13, 2024Walmart has reportedly ended a pilot of new self-checkout technology.
Since November 2023, the Arkansas-based retail has been piloting RFID tech at a single store to verify a customer's purchase, allowing shoppers to leave without having to flash their proof of purchase to a worker at the Bentonville location.
During the test, customers could use the kiosk to scan the items in their carts, a Walmart spokesperson told Yahoo Finance on March 6. A blue marker would appear on the floor by the machine, directing customers to place their carts on the square. The machine contained a bagging area as signage around it encouraged shoppers to "Try our new, faster checkout."
End of Pilot
But the pilot quietly ended—a spokesperson confirmed the retailer will use findings from the tests and more innovations will likely be tested in the future, the spokesperson said.
Despite the end of the test at the pilot store, frictionless shopping is a trend that retailers are exploring using RFID technology. Retailers want to move customers through the store quicker, such as the EXO Checkout system used at TD Garden in Boston.
Big box stores are actively pursuing ways that RFID-tagged products allow for scanning the whole bag, basket or cart all at once instead of each individual item separately. And smart shopping carts are taking the next step to making the experience for customers more seamless and allowing for upselling by retailers.
Walmart RFID History
But the news about Walmart ending its pilot program is significant as it has been a leader when it comes to deploying RFID technology. Walmart is a bellwether and a leading indicator in the RFID industry for technology innovation.
Walmart started requiring its suppliers in some departments to include RFID tags on all products provided to the store by September 2, 2022.
The mandate includes makers of home goods products, as well as some hard lines (such as hardware and automotive products), as well as some entertainment and toys. The mandate follows an expansion of RFID use in the stores for apparel goods.
Recent Deployments
In 2020, Walmart began to deploy UHF RFID technology at its stores to track apparel goods as they were received, displayed and sold. The passive UHF RFID labels are linked to each garment to create a unique identity that can be captured via handheld or fixed readers.
That makes it possible for the retailer to ensure proper stock levels at each store, and to thus ensure on-time replenishment.
Walmart's officials noted seeing “dramatic results” in their ability to ensure products are available in stores and improved online order fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
- Since November 2023, the Arkansas-based retail had been piloting RFID tech to verify a customer's purchase
- Big box stores are actively pursuing ways that RFID-tagged products allow for scanning the whole bag, basket or cart all at once instead of each individual item separately.
