US retail giant Walmart has announced that it is rolling out new technology in its stores, which uses automated devices to scan shelves for out-of-stock items, incorrect prices, and wrong or missing labels.
The retailer says that the introduction of these devices will not replace staff members, but will allow them to have more time serving customers, rather than doing repetitive manual tasks.
Walmart has already tested the technology in a small number of stores in Arkansas, Pennsylvania and California, but says that it will now be expanding to an additional 50 locations.
Tech Advances
"This combination of people and technology is helping make our stores more convenient and easier to shop, ensuring that products are available when our customers want them," said Justin Rushing, from Walmart's communications team.
"It’s just another example of how we’re using technology to save our associates and customers time."
Walmart has been making a number of advances in the technology space in recent months. The retailer has teamed up with Google to let shoppers order by voice, launched a new feature in its app that will allow shoppers to return items before going to a store, and expanded its 'Scan & Go' checkout-free service.
Outside of its stores, Walmart says that it expects e-commerce sales to surge by 40% in the next fiscal year, however, online still accounts for a small percentage of the retailer's revenue.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
