What: Innovation is not only about AI, other topics, less sexy, also remain important.

Why it is important: Retail is also about fundamentals and non-sexy things to make sure the basics are working. This involves test, learn, and potentially fail.

Walmart recently discontinued a test of an automated receipt check machine that used Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to verify purchases made using the retailer’s scan-and-go checkout solution at one of its stores in Bentonville, Arkansas. The machine, which was piloted since at least November, used RFID to verify what customers purchased. The pilot marks the latest checkout innovation tested by the retailer as companies look to reduce shrink at their front ends.

Walmart drops a RFID receipt check project