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CVS Tests Letting iPhone Users Unlock Product Cabinets Without an Employee

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CVS is testing a new feature that is designed to allow iPhone and Android users to unlock product cabinets to retrieve an item without the need to summon an employee, reports The Wall Street Journal (via The Verge).

iphone 16 pro pro max
Many stores like CVS use locked cabinets for items that are often shoplifted, cutting down on retail theft. Locking items up, though, inconveniences shoppers because an employee has to be summoned to retrieve items for customers. CVS Health's chief technology officer Tilak Mandadi told The Wall Street Journal that people "really, really dislike locked cabinets," which is why the chain is testing a new procedure.

CVS shoppers who have the CVS app (with CVS account), activate Bluetooth, and connect to in-store Wi-Fi can unlock locked product cabinets with an iPhone.

CVS is testing the smartphone-based product unlocking in three of its retail locations, but it will soon be expanded to 10 to 15 stores. If the trial is successful, CVS plans to roll it out to all retail locations.

Tag: CVS

Top Rated Comments

thadoggfather Avatar
thadoggfather
15 months ago
Or we could just enforce punishment for theft for a change.



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Score: 56 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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brofkand
15 months ago
I don't shop places where crap I need to buy is locked behind glass cabinets. Haven't been inside a CVS in years. I will not be treated like a criminal when I've done nothing wrong.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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dguisinger
15 months ago
I feel like there are simpler alternatives.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blackstick Avatar
Blackstick
15 months ago
Just hire a receipt checker at the door. Theft will drop. Criminals are opportunists first, most are not masterminds.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
totallywoke Avatar
totallywoke
15 months ago

This ^

Costco has figured this out a long long time ago
Costco locks up high value items. To purchase, you have to grab paper tag or scan item to phone. Pay for item. Then retrieve item from employee from the locked cages
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
HobeSoundDarryl
15 months ago

I don't shop places where crap I need to buy is locked behind glass cabinets. Haven't been inside a CVS in years. I will not be treated like a criminal when I've done nothing wrong.
You do know that just about everything of size you can buy at an Apple Store has to be pulled from the "employees only" back? ;)
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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