Walmart is trialling an SMS-based customer service tool that will text directions to products in its stores.

The innovation will be tested in-store after winning a Walmart Labs-sponsored hackathon, according to TechCrunch.

Walmart Simple Text invites customers to send a text message saying ‘hi’ when in-store to connect to an automated service that can send verbal directions as to where products are located.

If customers need additional help they can text the word ‘chat’ to speak to a call centre assistant.

Downloadable map

Customers are also able to download a map of the store using the technology, which is based on the Twilio communications platform.

Rachel Tsao, Devin Finzer and Clara Tsao developed the technology during the hackathon and had access to Walmart’s API as part of the competition.

Tsao said the team decided to build the tool having previously been frustrated trying to find products in large stores such as Walmart.