Abstract: A system and method of automated shopping, including a portable bar code scanner for scanning bar code indicia information on items selected to be purchased, securing the scanner in a holder for limited access, and releasing the portable bar code scanner upon receiving an authorized payment card. A plurality of items for purchase are displayed in a store such that a customer can select an item to be purchased from the store display. The customer scans the bar code indicia on the selected item from the store display. The payment card is debited for the purchase price of the selected item and then returned to the customer.