Walmart is testing a cashierless store, which could be implemented in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as fewer people would need to be in the store at one time. The cashierless store is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and it features a conveyor belt checkout system. The conveyor belt checkout may also make the store run more efficiently, and it could be implemented more broadly after social distancing restrictions are lifted.
Walmart also previously integrated contactless payments system in order to limit human contact, so it is clear the retail company has an interest in modifying operations in response to social distancing measures form COVID-19. The contactless payments system also allowed users to integrate their gift cards of credit cards.
Cashier-Free Retail Stores
Walmart is Testing a Cashierless Store in Response to COVID-19
Trend Themes
1. Cashierless Retail - The trend of cashierless retail is likely to continue as consumers seek to limit interactions in stores and retailers try to optimize operations.
2. Conveyor Belt Checkout - The adoption of conveyor belt checkout systems could improve the efficiency of retail stores and reduce wait times for customers.
3. Contactless Payments - The popularity of contactless payments is increasing as consumers prioritize safety and convenience in shopping experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers can capitalize on the trend of cashierless retail and optimize operations by implementing technologies like conveyor belt checkout and contactless payments.
2. Payment Solutions - The increasing adoption of contactless payments presents an opportunity for companies in the payment solutions industry to innovate and improve security, convenience, and accessibility.
3. Automation and Technology - As retailers seek to optimize operations and limit interactions in stores, the automation and technology industry can offer innovative solutions like cashierless retail systems.