The story linked doesn’t offer much detail on how or where Walmart customers scan their food items but the idea is clear that people are able to present some sort of verification at the cash which speeds them out the door. Also unclear, how the pilot scheme handles produce and items that need to be weighed or have no code. But there’s no doubt Walmart is hearing Amazon’s foot steps. The big A firm has a pilot store in Seattle where customers grab the stuff and walk out, then check the bill online at home. It is also working furiously on an online “mall” that might feature high-end clothing from Hudson’s Bay subsidiary Lord and Taylor. We will see. CBC
