On Sunday, I visited the East State Street Walmart, on Walton Drive and noticed something very scary when I checked out.

It was me, on the screen in front of me. Yes, live video of my ugly face using the self check out lanes. I had to stare at myself as my every movement of was being recorded, and I could watch along as I rang up Doritos, Peanut Butter Cups and my whole list of unhealthy items that were on my shopping list.

If you've visited the Walton Street Walmart recently, you may have noticed the store has remodeled the front end and has installed new self-checkout lanes.

So what's the purpose of these new cameras and digital video that is being recorded? You guessed it: Security! I spoke with one of the store's co-managers on Monday night and was told that the cameras are a security device designed for:

  • Loss prevention
  • Monitoring the registers
  • Eliminating Credit card fraud
  • Insuring proper change is disbursed to customers

Also store employees reunite money left behind by people who forget to collect their change after paying with cash for purchases. Also, the video is stored in case police need to be notified in the event of a crime. Walmart, just like a casino, has always had cameras monitoring transactions from above, in the past, but you, as a customer, didn't have to watch yourself going through the check out lane, as cameras and a video screen are installed at the register, just above where you swipe your credit card.

SeekingAlpha.com reports that Walmart has been quietly installing more monitoring devices in it's stores over the past year.

Wal-Mart has quietly been upgrading its security systems around its stores.

WMT is investing on LCD screens and HD cameras to record individuals on areas where inventory shrinkage is predominant.

The company is filling its stores with warning signs against thieves.

Do you think this is a good idea? I personally don't want to be reminded that I'm buying junk food and being forced to watch myself doing so. Smile, your on Walmart TV!

Your thoughts?

Catch Mark Charvat on Q98.5 from 3 p.m to 7 p.m.. Follow him on Twitter, and Facebook

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