Walmart tests self-checkout only in lieu of traditional cashier lanes
Walmart customer using self-checkout (Photo via Walmart)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - A Walmart in Fayetteville, Arkansas is reimagining the shopping experience during the coronavirus pandemic by using self-checkout counters only, in lieu of traditional cashier lanes.
A spokesperson for the company told FOX Business that Walmart Supercenter Store #359 is removing its conveyor belt lanes and replacing them with self-checkout counters. The goal is to see if the increased use of self-checkout will speed up purchases while providing a safer experience for shoppers through less interaction.
According to the company, employees will be available to help with self-checkout and will also check out groceries like normal for those who want the traditional shopping experience.
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If the test run is successful, the new design could be rolled out to stores across the country, but the timing will depend on customer and employee feedback, according to the company.
The news comes a few weeks after America's largest retailer announced it would be streamlining the company's apps to allow customers to shop online for everything from groceries to apparel and electronics.
The company also launched its touch-free payment system, Walmart Pay, last month in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus while customers shop in-store.
According to the company's first-quarter earnings report, Walmart saw a 74 percent increase in its online sales year-over-year as demand has soared due to the pandemic.