Amazon.com Inc. is making a significant change to its grocery store operations by removing its cashierless Just Walk Out system. This technology, which allowed shoppers to skip the line by automatically charging them upon exiting the store, will no longer be featured in Amazon Fresh grocery stores.
The decision to pull the system comes as Amazon undergoes a remodeling of its existing Fresh locations and prepares to open new stores later this year. Tony Hoggett, Amazon’s senior vice president of grocery stores, has spearheaded a revamp of the company’s grocery business in an effort to compete with industry giants like Walmart Inc. and Kroger Co.
Instead of the Just Walk Out system, Amazon will focus on its Dash Cart technology, which allows shoppers to scan items as they go. The company has simplified the technology by removing some cameras and requiring shoppers to hold items in front of scanners or use a touchscreen to ring up merchandise without barcodes.
While Amazon Go stores will still utilize the Just Walk Out technology, the company will no longer feature it in its Fresh stores. However, Amazon will continue to license the technology to other retailers and smaller stores in the UK will still use the system.
The decision to remove the cashierless system comes after some shoppers expressed discomfort with the high-tech vending machine feel of the stores and the delayed digital receipts. Despite this setback, Amazon remains committed to innovating in the grocery space and providing customers with convenient shopping experiences.