Walmart CEO breaks silence on Apple Pay in stores the same week the retailer returns to self-checkout in multiple locations

Walmart’s CEO revealed why stores don’t offer Apply Pay as the retail giant removes self-checkout machines from select locations across the country.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon shared on Stratechery with Ben Thompson that the company has a specific reason for not supporting Apple Pay.

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The CEO said talks about the payment service are ongoing and customers will be able to see it in stores, according to the interview.

However, McMillon emphasized, “We would like customers to open our app in store all the time.”

Thompson praised the app, saying using it in the store is “amazing.”

“You place an item and a map appears and you walk to it. I was amazed when I tried this,” Thompson continued.

McMillon also commented on the Walmart app, recently noting that he used it himself.

“I’ve used and know our stores as well as anyone, but I couldn’t find Command Hooks the other day, I used our app and it took me straight to Command Hooks, I was grateful. You can use it to do all kinds of things and we will continue to add use cases for this,” he said.

The CEO also explained that the app can be used specifically for payments and “that’s one of the things we’d like people to use our app for.”

“We have this joint venture with Ribbit Capital called One, here in the US, and we have a few other things including PhonePe happening in India as it relates to financial services, and we are still exploring that space and learning, so it’s a fluid process . situation.”

BIG CHANGES

McMillon’s interview comes as the retail giant announced its plans to remove self-service kiosks in some locations after receiving feedback from customers about long lines and wait times.

“The decision was based on several factors, including associate and customer feedback, purchasing patterns, and business needs in this area. We believe the change will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the opportunity to provide more personalized products and efficient service,” said spokesman Brian Little, according to the NBC affiliate. KSDK.

Another company spokesperson said Walmart is always trying to improve the customer experience.

“We continually look for ways to provide our customers with the best shopping experience, and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores,” said Walmart spokesman Josh Havens. Business Insider in September 2023.

Stores in Missouri, Ohio and New Mexico have already enacted the new policy.

Many shoppers in Shrewsbury, Missouri, which no longer has self-checkout, were pleased with the change.

One person said using self-checkout made her feel like she was a Walmart employee.

“Thank God, tired of shopping, having to check them out and then coming home to put them away, I felt like I worked at Walmart,” said another on Facebook publish.

Another user shared that they didn’t like the checkout method in general.

“Yes I loved it. [I] hated self-checkout,” wrote a third.

One shopper said he was happy with the change and also tipped.

“Smart move, now don’t forget to have enough ladies haha.”

Many people commented “good” on the post, generally satisfied with the exchange.