Abstract: One or more open packing containers are entered into a packing environment (that may utilize one or more conveyor belts to move such packing containers). The container includes a wireless communications interface (such as an RFID tag) that transmits a unique identifier. Upon detecting that an item has been placed in the container, a determination is made as to whether the corresponding order is complete. When true, the container corresponding to the order is automatically exited from the packing environment. When other items of the order still remain to be packed, these teachings provide for automatically determining whether any additional such items for this order can be placed in this particular open packing container. When true, this particular open packing container is retained within the packing environment. Otherwise, this particular open packing container is removed from the packing environment notwithstanding that the order is not yet complete.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to facilitate and fulfill remote shopping or remote item selection. In some embodiments, a shopping system is provided that includes a shopping or selection user interface configured to receive a shopping list, a database of shopping lists, an item retriever user interface configured to display multiple shopping lists stored by the database, and a central computer. By one approach, the central computer presents a set of shopping lists, via the item retriever user interface, from the database of shopping lists, receives a list selection, receives an indication that one or more of the requested items has been retrieved from the item retriever user interface (or the point of sale terminals in communication with the central computer), and updates the database accordingly.