Wal-Mart cancels 'smart shelf' trial

[Kellanved]

http://news.com.com/2100-1019_3-1023934.html
--snip
Wal-Mart Stores has unexpectedly canceled testing for an experimental wireless inventory control system, ending one of the first and most closely watched efforts to bring controversial radio frequency identification technology to store shelves in the United States.
Learn more about RFID technology


A Wal-Mart representative this week told CNET News.com that the retail giant will not conduct a planned trial of a so-called smart-shelf system with partner Gillette that was scheduled to begin last month at an outlet in Brockton, Mass., a Boston suburb.

"The shelf was never completely installed," Wal-Mart spokesman Tom Williams said. "We didn't want it. Any materials that were there (in Brockton) were removed. We never had products with chips in them."
...

--snap

This only one day after the pharmacy chain CVS decided to use the technology:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/aptech_story.asp?category=1700&slug=Beamed%20Bar%20Codes

It may have to do with a number of leaked confidential RFID-lobby documents available here:
http://quintessenz.org/rfid-docs/cryptome.org/rfid-docs.htm

[Peace_2_Everyone]

1. Thanks for the link

Interesting read, I could see how a RFID would greatly help in the warehouses and back rooms of large stores.

Appears Wally Worlds’ main concern was the cost of each chip.

[Merlin]

3. I think that's right.

That's got nowhere to go but down over time. This is great technology, but not yet cost effective for low ticket items.

[damnraddem]

2. Untrue statement: "We never had products with chips in them."

What about potato and tortilla chips. ;-)