Walmart Testing iPhone Checkout System

ROGERS, Ark. -- Last week Walmart began testing a new "Scan & Go" program based on the iPhone at a a Rogers, Ark., supercenter near the chain's Bentonville, Ark., headquarters, according to a Reuters report. Employees with iPhones were invited to participate in the test, which allows them to scan products with their phone while shopping, then pay at a self-checkout counter.

Rather than accept payment via iPhone, the app transfers scanned items to the self-checkout kiosk, where customers pay for their purchases in the normal self-checkout process. Current iPhone app functions include making shopping lists and checking to see what items are in stock.

"We're continually testing new and innovative ways to serve customers and enhance the shopping experience in our stores," said Walmart spokesman David Tovar. The company did not comment on where the Scan & go test results might lead, but it could possibly allow scanning through other smartphone brands and link with mobile payment, according to the report.

Walmart is one of several companies teaming up to create the Merchant Customer Exchange mobile payment platform, as CSNews Online previously reported.

Although the test only took place at one store, Reuters reported that the company asked employees to invite friends and family to participate in one-hour session in exchange for $100 and a $25 gift card.

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