NEW YORK (AP) – Those smiley door greeters are back at Wal-Mart. The nation’s largest retailer said in a blog post this week that it’s bringing back door greeters to a majority of its 5,000 stores by mid-summer to improve customer service. For stores which have been selected as higher risks for thefts, Wal-Mart will position a “customer host,” who will not only greet customers but also check receipts to prevent theft. That was flagged as a growing problem last year. Those workers will be trained to help deter potential shoplifters. The rollout follows a successful pilot program. Four years ago, the discounter decided to remove the workers at the front of the store and relocated them to other areas. Greeters were a tradition that its late founder Sam Walton started. The move comes as the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer is working to improve sales and service amid fierce competition from outlets ranging from dollar stores to online leader Amazon.com.
