Wal-Mart App to Let DFW Shoppers “Scan and Go”

Wal-Mart is testing out a new way to help shoppers avoid grocery store gridlock in the Dallas market.

The retailer's app, which is available through the Apple App Store, gives customers in DFW the ability to scan and bag their items while shopping and then pay for the selections at a self-checkout kiosk.

“It’s a time saver for our customers,” said Bobby Nicholson, who manages the store on Ohio Drive in Plano.

The Scan and Go function on the app will also offer customers privacy and convenience, as well as help them manage a budget by tracking their purchases item-by-item, Wal-Mart said.

Shopper and Plano resident Kim Roussy said she read about the Scan and Go idea and plans to download the Wal-Mart.

“I think it’s very interesting,” Roussy said. “I’ll probably use it to save me time when I’m in a rush.”

Another shopper, Maria Ramirez of Frisco, said she often uses self-checkouts and would be open to trying the shopping app. However, she worries about a lack of human interaction.

“With the way technology is going these days, it will replace people,” Ramirez said.

Wal-Mart counters that cashiers will still be very much part of the shopping experience.

“Anything that is age-verified, the cashier will still have to come over,” said Nicholson, using the example of an alcohol purchase. “There is a chance that there are random audits that are done.”

Audits can be helpful in preventing human error, such as a customer scanning the same item twice. They also can prevent shoplifting.

Dallas is one of about a dozen markets adding the Scan and Go technology.

The mega-retailer is also increasing the number of self-checkout stations in many of its stores.

Wal-Mart also has plans to introduce its app to the Android market in the near future.

More: Wal-Mart iPhone app