Amazon Fresh eliminates in-store technology

Amazon Fresh Stores to Replace Just Walk Out Technology with Smart Carts

In a surprising move, Amazon has announced that it will be removing its Just Walk Out technology from its Amazon Fresh stores across the United States. This technology, which allowed customers to pay for items without standing in line, will be replaced with smart carts that provide real-time spending updates.

The decision comes after Amazon Fresh listened to customer feedback about skipping the checkout queue and wanting to view their receipts and savings while shopping in-store. The new smart cart system aims to provide customers with the same benefits of a cashier-free experience without the need to stand in line to pay.

Amazon Fresh, which has been operating grocery stores in the US since 2007, has been experimenting with various technologies to enhance the shopping experience. The company’s CEO, Andy Jassy, wrote in a letter to shareholders that they are focused on finding the right formula to make a larger impact on the physical grocery sector.

Despite early predictions that Amazon’s entry into the grocery market would disrupt the sector, the company has faced challenges in finding the right balance for consumers. As a result, Amazon has closed some underperforming stores and paused further expansion on new Fresh store openings.

However, Amazon recently re-opened three Fresh stores in Los Angeles and announced plans to selectively open new stores and remodel existing ones. While Just Walk Out technology will no longer be available in US stores, it will continue to be offered in Amazon Fresh stores in the United Kingdom and to third-party retailers.