Amazon to launch first cashierless checkout in full-size grocery store in Seattle

Amazon is opening its newest grocery store in Seattle this week, but unlike the company’s other brick and mortar groceries, this is bigger and will feature a cashierless checkout.

Amazon’s massive grocery outlet

While this technology was already tried in the company’s Amazon Go convenience stores, the “Just Walk Out” cashierless technology that will be used in the new grocery outlet is different because it will be operating in a bigger site.

As per Fox Business, the Amazon Fresh store that will be launched in the Seattle area this week measures 25,000 square feet. But even with this size, the retailer and tech company will still go for a chashierless checkout where the customers can simply leave with the grocery items they purchased without going through a manned cashier.

The unique “Just Walk Out” system is considered to be a milestone for Amazon since it will be operating in a full-size store which is happening for the first time. In addition to the complexity of using this cashierless technology, the cost of implementing it is also said to be high, so this is such a remarkable feat for the company.

How the checkout will work in the new Amazon grocery

Customers will simply pick up their fresh grocery items and walk out of place without having to wait in line to pay. At Amazon Fresh grocery, shoppers just need to register and create an Amazon account that will be linked to their credit card.

While they shop, cameras will monitor what they buy and the shelves are also pressure-sensitive so they can keep track of what items are being picked. After the shopping, all their items have already been recorded and charged to the credit card so they can just freely leave. Scanning of the palm and QR code will also work in the payment process.

For those who are uncertain about the cashierless checkout, there will still be an area for checkouts with staff. The employees in the store will also be able to assist the shopper even if they prefer the “Just Walk Out” option. The new Amazon Fresh store will open on Thursday, June 17, in Bellevue, Washington.

“Customers have enjoyed the effortless shopping experience enabled by our Just Walk Out technology at our Amazon Go, Amazon Go Grocery, Amazon Fresh stores in the UK, and third-party retailer stores,” Amazon’s vice president of physical retail and technology, Dilip Kumar, said in a statement. “The feedback has been fantastic, with customers noting that skipping the checkout allows them to save time and reduce contact in stores.”