Wegmans is dropping its popular scanning app because too many customers were shoplifting while using it

• Wegmans said its scan app will be discontinued due to high losses.
• The app, which is used with self-checkout, was introduced in 2020.

Wegmans told customers on Monday that they will no longer be allowed to use the Scan app, which allows shoppers to scan groceries as they go using a phone and pay at self-checkout.

The Scan app was hurting business, the company said in a September 12 email to customers, writing "unfortunately, the losses we are experiencing this program prevent us from continuing to make it available in its current state." Users will lose access on Sunday, September 18, president and CEO Colleen Wegman said in an email.

The Scan app was first introduced early on in the pandemic as a contactless checkout option and was available in nearly all of the chain's 107 locations across the eastern US. Wegmans offered customers a $5 digital coupon to adopt the app.

Shoplifting at self-checkout isn't unique to Wegmans, despite technological attempts to curb it, according to Loss Prevention Media. Some methods, like neglecting to scan some items, or inputting expensive items as cheaper ones, are ubiquitous on social media.

Self-checkout and handheld checkout devices are known to have greater losses for retailers, though those may be made up for in labor savings. Some major grocery retailers still have the option. Grocery giant Walmart has self-checkout, along with Scan and Go for Walmart+ members.

Sam's Club, owned by Walmart, also has Scan and Go. Some Costco locations have self-checkout, and grocery chain Tops told Buffalo News that it has no plans to discontinue its similar Shop and Scan program.

Wegmans said in a statement it will "continue to introduce new digital solutions to streamline your shopping experience for the future," but didn't offer any details on exactly what or when those might be.

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