Walmart Testing Lets Customers Access Locked-up Products By Using Phone App

Walmart is testing a new process in some stores that allows customers to unlock security cases for merchandise using their smartphones.

If adopted by the retailer giant, the feature will eliminate the need for store associates to manually open them with a key.

According to Bloomberg, the new feature aims to reduce theft while improving the shopping experience for customers.

Merchandise that is often commonly stolen by individuals includes cold medicine, cosmetics, and detergent. To deter theft, Walmart has locked them up in a case that requires a key from store personnel to open it.

This new technology which involves using a mobile phone to open a case, is being tested with employees. If it is well-received by personnel, Walmart may eventually extend it to Walmart+ members.

Traditional methods to stop theft have ruined the shopping experience. Shoppers complain the process of waiting for workers to unlock a case as an inconvenience and staffers said it increased their workload, according to Bloomberg.

Walmart hopes technology can help improve the shopping experience.

Walmart said it's betting big on artificial intelligence (AI) to fuel the future of shopping. Recently the company started offering AI to assist shoppers with want to buy this holiday season.