Amazon is undergoing a major shift in its grocery store strategy, phasing out cashierless stores with its “Just Walk Out” technology.
The move marks a departure from the innovative concept, which relied on cameras and sensors to monitor customer purchases. The Seattle-based company plans to focus on Dash Carts going forward.
Transition to Dash Carts and Self-Checkout
Instead of Just Walk Out technology, Amazon is pivoting to Dash Carts, which feature embedded scanners and screens that allow customers to check out items while shopping. This transition is intended to provide a more reliable and seamless shopping experience compared to the previous checkoutless model. Additionally, Amazon Fresh stores will be equipped with self-checkout counters to accommodate customers who are not Amazon members.
Tony Hoggett, Amazon’s senior vice president of grocery stores, confirmed that Dash Carts will replace Just Walkouts in some grocery stores, The Information first reported.
Related article: Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ cashierless retail technology adds RFID capabilities for faster checkout
The rise and fall of Just Walk Out
Introduced in 2016, Just Walk Out was hailed as a breakthrough in grocery shopping, allowing customers to bypass traditional checkout lines. However, this technology faced several challenges, including delays in receipt generation and the high cost of maintaining a complex system of scanners and cameras at each store. Despite its initial promise, Just Walk Out didn’t quite live up to Amazon’s expectations.
Amazon Grocery Store Expansion
Founded in 2007, Amazon Fresh operates more than 40 stores across the United States and is considered a key player in Amazon’s expansion into the grocery market.
Although the company also owns Whole Foods, Gizmodo writes that the experiment with Amazon Fresh will serve as a testing ground for future innovations within the larger grocery chain.
Amazon has stopped offering Just Walk Out technology in most of its stores, but will continue to use it in some Fresh stores in the UK and some Amazon Go convenience stores. Additionally, the technology will continue to be utilized at select ballparks across the country.
Just earlier this year, Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology became available to healthcare facilities. Employees can use their work badges to instantly buy the products they want.
The expansion of cashierless technology in fresh supermarkets is a major advancement in the healthcare industry. Employees can pay for items immediately instead of waiting in long lines. This is especially helpful for people with busy shifts.
Amazon payment methods are always available. When an employee badge is scanned, the amount is deducted from a payroll deduction account linked to the system.
Also read: Amazon introduces AI-powered product page creation tool for sellers to streamline listing process with external links
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