Walmart tackles shoplifting at self-checkouts with revolutionary hidden barcode technology, leaving many customers surprised at the invisible innovation built into everyday products.
At a Glance
- Walmart has implemented invisible Digimarc barcodes on its Great Value products to combat “skip scanning” theft at self-checkout stations
- The hidden barcodes are printed throughout product packaging, allowing items to be scanned from any angle without needing to find a traditional barcode
- Despite being introduced in 2019, many shoppers remain unaware of this technology until it was highlighted in a viral TikTok video
- Walmart is simultaneously implementing corporate restructuring with approximately 1,500 job cuts while dealing with tariff pressures
Invisible Technology Fights Retail Theft
America’s largest retailer has deployed a clever technological solution to combat shoplifting at its self-checkout stations. Walmart’s Great Value branded products now feature invisible barcodes embedded throughout their packaging designs, allowing items to be scanned without having to locate a traditional barcode.
The technology, developed in partnership with Digimarc and implemented since 2019, has recently caught public attention after being showcased in social media posts. The hidden codes are designed to prevent “skip scanning,” a common shoplifting technique where thieves pretend to scan items without actually registering them for payment.
The innovative system works by distributing imperceptible codes across the entire package surface, making products scannable from virtually any angle. This improvement not only speeds up the checkout process for legitimate customers but significantly reduces theft opportunities. The technology represents a substantial investment in Walmart’s retail security infrastructure, aiming to reduce the estimated billions lost annually to shoplifting across the retail industry. Other major retailers including Wegmans have also implemented similar invisible barcode technology to combat theft while improving customer experience.
Social Media Reveals Hidden Innovation
Many Walmart shoppers remained unaware of this invisible technology until a TikTok video by user “beatsbycait,” reportedly a Walmart employee, demonstrated how the hidden codes work. The viral video showed the user scanning Great Value products with a handheld scanner that could detect the invisible codes embedded throughout the packaging. This revelation surprised many regular Walmart shoppers who had been using these products for years without realizing the advanced technology integrated into their design. The technology’s low-key implementation represents Walmart’s strategic approach to loss prevention without disrupting the shopping experience.
The technology has prompted mixed reactions from customers. Many appreciate the convenience of not having to search for and align traditional barcodes during self-checkout. Others express surprise at the sophisticated level of technology incorporated into everyday products. The company has also implemented additional security measures at self-checkout stations to prevent other forms of theft, including card skimming devices. These combined efforts reflect Walmart’s comprehensive approach to security while maintaining its competitive edge through technological innovation in the retail space.
Business Challenges Amid Technological Innovation
While Walmart advances its anti-theft technology, the company faces significant internal restructuring challenges. The retail giant has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,500 employees across several divisions, including global technology operations, e-commerce fulfillment, and advertising sales. These cuts are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve efficiency in an increasingly competitive retail environment. Additionally, the company is closing its North Carolina office and relocating those employees to facilities in California and Arkansas, signaling a consolidation of its workforce.
“‘Walmart is a forward-thinking technology leader with an unwavering focus on customer experience,’, said Digimarc CEO Riley McCormack.
Compounding these internal challenges, Walmart faces external pressures from ongoing tariff tensions with China. CEO Doug McMillon has noted the difficulty of absorbing these additional costs due to the narrow profit margins typical in retail operations. Some of these increased expenses are inevitably being passed on to consumers through price adjustments.
Despite these challenges, the company continues to invest significantly in store makeovers, with a reported $9 billion commitment to improving its physical locations. This demonstrates Walmart’s determination to balance cost-cutting measures with strategic investments in customer experience and loss prevention technologies.
