Walmart has come up with an imaginative way to crack down on theft at its self-service checkouts.
The retailer has introduced a feature that allows shoppers to simply move an item over the self-checkout scanner, which will register the item without the need to scan a visible barcode.
The new technology works on any Walmart Great Value brand item, including graham crackers, chocolate bars and croissant sandwiches.
Invisible barcodes were first introduced on Walmart-branded items in 2019 through the retailer’s partnership with Digimarc.
Digimarc barcodes are invisible to the naked eye, but are printed across the entire surface of the item, allowing them to be easily detected with a self-checkout scanner.
Walmart has introduced new technology that will reduce theft in its stores
Invisible barcodes were created to speed up the checkout process for workers and customers, who now no longer have to search for a barcode and tilt the item to scan it.
“Scanning speed is significantly increased,” according to Digimarc.
‘Searching for barcodes during the scanning process becomes unnecessary, making self-scanning easier for customers.
“Image cameras can also capture multiple products at the same time,” he said. The company wrote on its website.
However, another consequence is that it is becoming more difficult for thieves to make off with items without properly scanning them, as rising theft becomes an ever-growing concern for food retailers.
But if an item with an invisible barcode is moved over the self-checkout register, in an attempt to make it look like it has been scanned but hasn’t, the computer will still pick up the item and register it for payment.
Other major supermarkets such as Wegmans have also introduced invisible barcodes.
The technology has found some fans among Walmart shoppers, including TikTok creator @sushiissogoodomg.
“Oh my gosh, you guys can literally scan the item anywhere and it will accept it,” the creator said as she filmed herself scanning items at Walmart.
Another TikToker, Aidan Bost, also praised the new technology in a viral video two years ago.
“On most Great Value products, there is a barcode hidden in the product image,” said Bost, who used to work at Walmart.
“It works with almost any GV item, try cans and cereal boxes,” Bost commented below the video.
Meanwhile, Walmart is facing a lawsuit alleging “deceptive pricing practices” and overcharging customers.
The world’s largest retailer often charges higher prices at the cash register than it posts on store shelves, the lawsuit claims.