Walmart Gets In-Store Listening Patent

US retail giant Walmart has been awarded a US patent for a system which listens in to sounds in its stores, from checkout beeps and bags rustling to 'conversations between guests and employees'.

The filing suggests the system could be used to track employees' performance, and other measures such as the number of bags being used and the number of items in a purchase. The store, which has been investing heavily in digital technology to compete effectively with online rivals, also mentions potential for spotting overlong checkout lines.

The retailer has not implemented the technology in stores yet and it's not clear whether it ever will. In a statement, Walmart said: 'This patent is a concept that would help us gather metrics and improve the checkout process by listening to sounds produced by the bags, carts and cash registers and not intended for any other use. We file patents frequently but that doesn't mean the patents will actually be implemented. We're always thinking about new concepts and ways that will help us further enhance how we serve customers'.

Web site: www.walmart.com .