(NewsNation) — Target is experimenting with innovative technology that lets customers secure and open store shelves via their smartphones. This anti-theft measure is similar to solutions being investigated by other retailers, such as Walmart.
The tech move was announced during an internal staff call Thursday by Chief Stores Officer Adrienne Costanzo, according to Bloomberg News.
This technology grants shoppers swift access to products without needing a store employee to use physical keys. It’s part of the company’s broader strategy to address the issue of retail theft effectively.
Costanzo reportedly informed employees that the company is “actively testing” this tech, with plans to potentially offer this feature to its Shipt delivery team and members of its paid subscription program.
To combat a rise in retail theft in recent years, many stores have begun locking away items in clear display cases that require employee assistance to access. However, long wait times have deterred some shoppers from coming into stores.
If successful, retailers are hopeful that unlocking technology could bring customers back to in-store shopping.
