American based retailers Kroger and Walgreens are testing cameras that could guess peoples age and determine their buying habits. Kroger is testing cameras embedded in a price sign above shelves in two stores on the outskirts of Cincinnati and Seattle. Video screens attached to the shelves can play real-time ads and show discounts to shoppers, and determine their buying habits.
The brand further clarified that the information will not be stored and will remain anonymous. If the tests work out well, Kroger could expand it into other locations. Drugstore chain Walgreens installed cooler doors with cameras and sensors at six locations including New York, San Francisco and Washington.
Instead of using usual clear glass doors that allow customers to see inside, the retailer put video screens that display ads along with the cooler’s contents. This new technology, which could help physical stores to better compete with online rivals like Amazon and has raised concerns over privacy as people may not realize that they are being watched while picking their groceries.
