Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT)’s Scan & Go program was started last year at the company’s home office of Bentonville, Ark and currently is in a testing phase in about 70 stores across the United States. Wal-Mart now plans to expand the program to more than 200 stores by next year. Wal-Mart runs more than 4,000 stores.
The Scan & Go program is currently available on devices running Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iOS, but an Android-compatible version will be launched soon, said a Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) representatives. The app is compatible with iPads, iPhones, and iPods.
“We want our customer feedback to dictate the experience,” senior vice president of mobile and digital at Walmart Global eCommerce Gibu Thomas told Reuters. “You’ll see this roll out to more markets.”
Using the new app, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) customers can scan bar codes for items they wish to buy while they’re shopping. The app will help the users keep track of their planned purchases and the total cost. After scanning, the customers will have to pay for their item in a self-checkout lane, instead of going through a traditional register. Wal-Mart customers will have the option to pay in the usual manner, with cash or a credit card, and will be given both an electronic receipt and a paper one. Wal-Mart has made no mention on possible mobile payment integration.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) plans to increase the number of self-checkout lanes in stores as the programs expands. According to the company, about 1500 store locations currently have self-checkout lanes and another 1000 to 1500 stores should get them this year. The pilot program’s expansion will reach more than a dozen new markets, including Denver, Phoenix, Omaha, Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wyoming, Montana, Seattle, San Jose, and Portland.
More than half of Wal-Mart’s customers use smartphones and more than 50 percent of users who have used the “Scan & Go” app have used it more than once.
