You’ve heard of grab and go, but Amazon just took that to a whole new level! They just opened a grocery store called Amazon Go in Seattle to test a “walk in and walk out” type of shopping.
Customers tap their cellphones on a turnstile as they walk into the store, which logs them into the store’s network and connects to their Amazon account through an app. Sensors track all items customers pick up and place in their carts. Those items are then added to the virtual cart on their app. If they pick up an item they later decide they don’t want, putting it back on the shelf removes it from their cart.
When they are done shopping, customers simply walk out of the store. No lines, no waiting, no checkout process, no hassle.
This concept seems amazing to me but I’m so curious to see if it catches on. And how will their prices be? Will shoplifting be virtually eliminated or will this type of store make it easier?
What do you think? Like it or hate it? As soon as I try it out, I’ll let you know…
~Mavis
Rita says
Let us know how you like it! I have enough trouble using the self check out!! I wonder if they will sell produce??
Linda says
This is near my work and I can see me using it all the time!
Heather says
Take pictures! I wonder how many people will be employed vs. a similar sized grocery store?
Teresa says
I LOVE THAT Idea! I could totally get behind that action. I’m in Hillsboro Oregon so I’m sure it will be a long time coming to this area.
Patty P says
I’m wondering how it will know that YOU picked up an item, versus a person next to you…I’m sure there’s something to it, but still…makes me wonder.
Cheryl says
And even better if you put it back on the shelf in the wrong place, will it still take it off or does it have to go back to the same shelf?
Karin says
I would worry that things won’t ring up correctly. I always watch as my items are rung at the register and it’s surprising how many times things ring up higher than the posted price. It’s also strange that items almost never ring lower than the posted price…
stacy says
It’s sounds good…but what of there are a lot of people in the store…if someone reaches across you will you get charged?
Lauren says
It’s not just sensor’s, it’s fancy camera’s and high level algorithms. If you don’t like the idea of a global corporation knowing literally every thing about your spending habits it probably won’t be for you.
Sounds go to me though.
Leslie says
Unless you only spend cash, they already know.
Helen in Meridian says
We had someone do that yesterday at our Walmart in Meridian. He loaded up his cart full of toys, clothes, etc and simply took the cart out to his car. A clerk followed him out and he threatened him with a gun. Evidently he forgot to scan his amazon card. The police are looking for him.
Deborah says
I guess if you want to live in a bubble and not have contact with other people, it’s for you.
I have a problem supporting companies that are pushing to have customers have no contact with human employees.
Certain banks are “hiding” the few tellers they employee in the back, or charging a fee to have a transaction done by a them.
The retail stores are going so automated that eventually there will be few places for employment for part-time, students, retirees, unskilled labor.
The range of jobs that can be your “first job” is getting smaller and smaller. I don’t think that is a good thing.
Mable says
I agree completely! I also know that for some people who are alone, contacts with people like clerks are the only human contact they may have some days.
Crystal says
Most people working retail, in grocery stores or not, don’t fit into those categories. They aren’t working their first job, or just a job to help with retirement costs. Most people work retail as their life long, full time (or they would like it to be full time) employment.
Coleen says
Sounds good in theory. I would have to get a new cell phone, if I wanted to shop there…..I’ll be curious to see how it all works out.
Gwenn says
What about stolen phones? They’ve got to have some kind of protection against it in their system but the shady side of society may not realize that & start snagging phones. The idea seems crazy to me
Deborah from Texas says
I really don’t like the concept. I also don’t use self-check out. I love the cashiers at my local store. If it comes to this, then a lot of people are out of a job. A LOT! Our grocery store is pretty local only. We don’t have a huge chain all over the country. I know many of the personel at the one in my home town.
Sheila says
Perfect for an introvert! I may never need to talk to another person!
Heather says
Just adding to the instant gratification, my needs come first, I don’t want to wait for anything mentality that is overrunning the entire retail industry. May seem like that is being overly negative, however as someone who’s worked in retail for over 20 years I am just speaking from experience
Suzanne says
Sams Club has has something similar in my area. You scan the items with your phone as you go and click checkout when you’re done. Then you show the barcode on your phone to the person who checks receipts at the door. It’s a major time saver. You can still use a cashier and pay any way you want if you don’t want to use the app, but the lines are usually slow.
Sheri says
Everything is about automation now. My company laid off 145 employees due to automation. You’ll love the convenience until one day your job has been automated. Its bad for the economy and our social society.