Check it Out: The Best of Both Worlds

A complete analytics package is what sets AisleBuyer's solution apart from being merely a consumer-focused tool. AisleBuyer is able to capture how consumers interact with products from scan to checkout. In addition, the app compiles demographic and geographic analytics as well, which retailers can then base future mobile campaigns on.

One retailer taking advantage of this technology is Magic Beans, a cross-channel retailer of baby apparel, gear and toys.

"As a retailer that serves parents, we're always on the lookout for new services and features that make life easier for our busy customers," said Sheri Gurock, co-owner of Magic Beans, in AisleBuyer's press release. "This technology offers a more personalized shopping experience and allows us to provide our customers with the added convenience of self-checkout."

As one who isn't easily sold on very many things, I can honestly say that I find AisleBuyer's app a potentially very useful tool. I'm hesitant to give it a full-out endorsement for two reasons, however: one, a seemingly high susceptibility to fraud/theft and, two, how do you get your purchases bagged without waiting in line? But other than that, I can totally picture myself whipping through the mall this holiday shopping season bypassing checkout lines with goods in tow. Now I just have to get a smartphone (back to being old-fashioned).