First Look: Check out Walmart kiosk BOPUS machine

By | October 30, 2016

Walmart Retail Automation

Walmart is testing new technology that could revolutionize the way customers pick up purchases they ordered online.

Source: www.chainstoreage.com

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Walmart home offices in Rogers, Arkansas stands historic Store #1, which, despite the impressive nomenclature, is really just one of many Walmart supercenters scattered across the country. From time to time, however, Store #1 serves as an experimental testing ground for the latest and greatest Walmart services, technologies, and other developments.

As reported by Hayley Peterson of Business Insider, Store #1 is currently showcasing an impressive feat of retail technology, one that may give some shoppers pause: “Is Walmart teleporting people now?”

Field-Agent-Walmart-Bopus-Machine-Agent-Photo.jpg

See also: The Big’ Honkin’, Tree Toppin’, Globe Trottin’ Guide to Holiday Shoppers 2016

Link to below article and video

No, but the retailer is striving to make in-store pickup as easy as possible for time-strapped shoppers. Currently in the beta testing phase, when fully operational this BOPUS (buy online pick up in store) machine will automatically distribute (i.e., without employee assistance) pre-purchased goods to users of Walmart’s in-store pickup service.

As the video demonstrates, mobile solutions firm Field Agent recently dispatched several agents to Store #1 to use this BOPUS machine. All participants were first directed to walmart.com where they shopped for, purchased, and designated for in-store pickup an item costing at least $5.

 

 

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Author: Staff Writer

Craig Keefner -- With over 40 years in the industry and technology, Craig is widely considered to be an expert in the field. Major early career kiosk projects include Verizon Bill Pay kiosk and hundreds of others. Craig helped start kioskmarketplace and formed the KMA. Note the point of view here is not necessarily the stance of the Kiosk Association or kma.global