Walmart Self-Checkout & Digital Displays

In this writeup I'll cover two items: one is self-checkout and Walmart.  Hard to not see a new article about it everyday it seems. But also for AVIXA audience a look as well at displays and digital signage. Very popular these days

Editor Notes:  We are currently advertising on Google Ads for upcoming National Restaurant Show and by far the most popular search term is "digital signage".  Also, be sure and see us at InfoComm!

For us the most telling news is customer dissatisfaction with self-checkout NOT being available. Scammers are brazenly attaching skimmers. Here are some recent updates regarding Walmart’s self-checkout systems:

1. **Reduction of Self-Checkout Stands**: Walmart has been decreasing the number of self-checkout stands in certain U.S. locations, including stores in Missouri and Ohio. This change is part of a broader strategy to enhance the shopping experience by prioritizing staffed checkout lanes. The decision is informed by customer feedback, shopping behaviors, and business needs.
2. **Customer Dissatisfaction**: Reports indicate that customers are frustrated due to unexpected closures of self-checkout machines, which have resulted in long lines at traditional registers. Walmart has acknowledged these concerns and is actively working to resolve them.
3. **Challenges with Self-Checkout Systems**: Walmart faces ongoing challenges related to self-checkout, including theft and technical glitches. Despite efforts to address these issues through technology like artificial intelligence, problems still arise.
4. **Mispricing Issue**: In March 2024, Walmart experienced a mispricing issue that affected 1,600 stores, leading to items being sold at incorrect prices due to a system failure. The company has taken steps to reimburse affected customers.
5. **Security Concerns**: There have been incidents involving skimming devices being placed on self-checkout registers, highlighting the security risks associated with these systems.
6. Overall, Walmart is reevaluating its use of self-checkout technology to strike a balance between efficiency, customer satisfaction, and security concerns.

What To Expect from Walmart Self-Checkout in near future?

Walmart is implementing several new technologies to enhance the shopping experience and potentially replace or complement traditional self-checkout systems:

1. AI-Powered Self-Checkout Kiosks: Walmart is testing more advanced AI-powered self-checkout kiosks that use computer vision and machine learning. These systems can identify products without barcodes, detect potential theft or scanning errors, and provide a more intuitive interface1.

2. Smart Carts: Analysts predict that Walmart might invest in smart carts similar to those used by Instacart and Amazon. These carts use AI and sensors to streamline the shopping process, potentially reducing the need for traditional checkout lanes23.

3. Mobile Self-Checkout Expansion: Walmart has expanded its mobile self-checkout options, allowing customers to complete their entire shopping journey using their smartphones. This technology reduces the reliance on physical checkout lanes1.

4. Voice-Assisted Self-Checkout: Walmart is piloting voice-assisted self-checkout kiosks in select stores, using natural language processing to guide customers through the checkout process1.

5. 2D Barcodes: Walmart is exploring the use of 2D barcodes, which can provide detailed product information and enhance checkout efficiency. This technology could be integrated into future checkout systems2.

6. Hybrid Models: Walmart is testing hybrid checkout systems where employees assist customers at self-checkout machines, ensuring a smoother and more secure experience.

What About Displays?

Walmart has several initiatives involving digital signage and displays. Here are some key developments:

1. Digital Signage Implementation:

   • Walmart has implemented a digital signage solution to enhance customer experience, improve promotional effectiveness, and optimize store operations. This includes HD displays, digital kiosks, and interactive screens that provide product information and personalized recommendations1.

   • The technology helps customers navigate the store more efficiently and offers real-time engagement with products1.

   • We haven't seen these in action ourselves here in suburban Colorado

2. Digital Shelf Labels:

   • Walmart is transitioning from paper shelf labels to digital labels in approximately 2,300 stores by 2026. This change aims to improve efficiency by allowing price updates in minutes rather than days24.

   • The digital labels also include features like "Stock to Light" and "Pick to Light," which assist employees in restocking and fulfilling online orders more efficiently24.

3. Analytics and Customer Insights:

   • Walmart uses digital signage analytics solutions to capture shopper behavior data. This helps in refining marketing strategies and improving customer engagement through targeted advertising3.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships:

   • Walmart has collaborated with companies like AIScreen for digital signage platforms and Vusion Group for digital shelf labels14.

   • They have also worked with Publicis Sapient to rethink their digital signage strategy and improve operational efficiency6.

In Google News Walmart Self Checkout

• https://www.the-sun.com/money/13635122/walmart-self-checkouts-gone-new-jersey/ — End of an era,’ cry Walmart shoppers after location axes …
• https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/furious-walmart-shopper-slams-scary-1001178 — Furious Walmart shopper slams ‘scary’ checkout policy
• https://www.facebook.com/allrecipes/posts/is-walmart-getting-rid-of-self-checkout-lines-altogether/1056768013164187/ — Is Walmart getting rid of self-checkout lines… – Allrecipes
• https://www.dailydot.com/news/walmart-self-checkout-walmart-plus/ — Is Walmart Self-Checkout Really Only for Walmart+ Users?

Related Walmart Self-checkout Articles here

• You’re Going To Use That Self-Checkout Machine Whether You Like
• Walmart Self Checkout – 2025 Edition(Opens in a new browser tab)
• Walmart Self Checkout – AI and RFiD To Rescue

• Walmart Self-Checkout March 2025 Update
• Walmart Self Checkout – AI and RFiD To Rescue
• Walmart Self Checkout – 2025 Edition
• Self Checkout Improvement – A Payment Perspective
• Walmart Theft Self Checkout – A Closer Look
• Walmart Self Checkout Removing – Fact Check
• Walmart Adaptive Retail and Self Checkout
• Walmart Self Checkout NCR – The Numbers
• Walmart Self Checkout – The Good and the Bad
• Walmart Self Checkout Is Not a Failed Experiment
• Walmart Self Checkout Being Replaced? Is NCR Toast?
• Grocery Walmart Self Checkout & Disabled Shoppers – Food Institute
• Walmart Kiosks Photo Tour – Pickup, ATM, Dr. Scholls and More
• Blind Marylanders sue Walmart self checkouts violate ADA
• WalMart customer service kiosk – 2015