What a time-saver.
Amazon has helped another supermarket chain launch its first checkout-free store.
The tech giant has teamed up with Sainsbury's in London.
They previously worked with Tesco, and have their own Amazon Fresh stores, according to Mirror.co.uk.
I went to the new Amazon Fresh store today.
They have 8 in London now. Holborn is the newest, 200 yards from Sainsbury's head office.
They're all open 7-11, 7 days a week, and all use Amazon's 'just walk out' technology (you just pick what you want off the shelves and walk out) pic.twitter.com/5Ap1rPEBxP
— dan barker (@danbarker) November 28, 2021
The SmartShop Pick & Go format allows customers to pick up items and leave without having to use a till.
On entering, customers must scan a QR code using an mobile app which is linked to a credit or debit card.
While browsing, the Just Walk Out technology tracks shoppers as they remove items from shelves.
And it recognises when a customer puts something back so they’re not accidentally charged.
Photo by Oleg Magni from PexelsThen when you leave, you scan the code again and you're billed for your bits and bobs that way.
But if it all sounds a bit jarring, there will be store staff on hand to give you a hand and restock shelves.
Which is also good news, that it's still a function that retains staff.
Even so, some people still feel a bit weird about walking out and feeling like they haven't paid:
Just tried the new “Just Walk Out” Amazon Fresh. I’ve left the store, they are “still working on my receipt” but despite my best efforts I’m pretty sure I shoplifted like $200 of groceries! pic.twitter.com/mvEzSvioqZ
— Jason Goldberg (@retailgeek) November 6, 2021
It's no surprise that such a feature has come about, as Sainsbury’s says demand for contactless ways to shop in stores has increased.
