In case you needed any more evidence that the world at large is going batty for the iPhone, here’s something new to think about: Walmart is preparing to bring a new iPhone-based self-checkout option to over 200 of its stores across the U.S.. The system, called “Scan & Go”, is similar in function to Apple’s own EasyPay system used at Apple Retail Stores worldwide.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc said it is tripling the number of U.S. stores in a pilot program that lets shoppers scan items with their iPhones and pay at self-checkout counters.
Walmart’s “Scan & Go” program will soon be in more than 200 stores, up from about 70. The pilot began near its home office in Bentonville, Arkansas in late 2012, then expanded to Atlanta. While the program is tripling in size, for now it will be in only a small fraction of Walmart’s more than 4,000 U.S. stores.
“We want our customer feedback to dictate the experience,” Gibu Thomas, senior vice president of mobile and digital at Walmart Global eCommerce, said this week. “You’ll see this roll out to more markets.
Areas that Wal-Mart will be bringing the new service to include Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; Omaha, Nebraska; Dallas and Austin, Texas; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Wyoming; Bozeman, Montana; Seattle, Washington; San Jose, California; and Portland, Oregon. The Scan & Go system works using the official Walmart app, allowing you to scan items while you shop, then checkout using the app rather than a traditional check stand. Currently, Scan & Go is only available for iPhone, although it might roll out to Android devices at some point also.
It’s a great idea – and hopefully Walmart will bring it to more areas in the near future! Walmart has seen the future of retail – and that future is all about the iPhone. For more information, check out Walmart’s Scan & Go website.
