System and method for completing in-store transactions using a mobile computing device

Abstract

Inventory management in a checkout-free store may use a combination of anti-theft tags, door sensors, a payment application on a smartphone and associated with a payment device, and a shopping cart or basket with a first communication device (e.g., a radio frequency identification ('RFID') tag, near-field communication ('NFC') device, etc.). Items selected for purchase include a second communication device. For purchase, the item may be placed near the second communication device and the payment application adds the item to a virtual shopping cart within the payment application and deactivates the first communication device. Removing an item from the electronic cart may include removing it from the virtual shopping cart and reactivating the second communication device. The payment application may also interact with the first communication device to send a message to the store inventory system and collect the item from the customer prior to exiting the store.