Amazon Brings Just Walk Out to First Independent Grocer
In a significant expansion of its retail technology, Amazon is bringing its Just Walk Out cashierless technology to Community Groceries, an independent grocer in Kansas City, Missouri. This marks the first time Amazon’s system will be implemented in a grocery store that it does not own.
Plans call for Community Groceries to reopen its store at 640 East 18th St. on December 16th with the checkout-free system. The technology automatically tallies items shoppers take and processes payment upon exit, eliminating the need to wait in line. The store will also debut Amazon One, a palm-recognition payment system that allows customers to pay by scanning their palm.
Community Groceries has adopted the new technologies to improve the customer experience, offering “something innovative to the Kansas City area.” The retailer, which focuses on healthy food options in underserved communities, believes the new technologies will provide faster, more convenient service and create a more memorable shopping experience.
“Amazon’s technologies change the way we think about shopping,” said Alyssa Groenig, director of sales and marketing at Community Groceries. “This new experience will enable me and all of our guests to shop efficiently and be on our way, with no checkout lines and no hassle.”
Just Walk Out uses overhead computer-vision cameras, weight sensors, and deep-learning technology to detect merchandise taken from or returned to shelves. Customers enter the store by inserting a credit or debit card linked to their Amazon account or by using the Amazon One palm signature device. The card used for entry, or the card linked to their Amazon One ID, is then charged when the shopper leaves.
Amazon One utilizes unique palm signatures, custom algorithms, and hardware to allow contactless payment at stores. Customers can enroll at a special kiosk by inserting a credit card and following prompts to link their card to their palm signature. Payment via Amazon One takes around a second.
Dilip Kumar, vice president of AWS applications at Amazon, said that Amazon is “thrilled to work with Community Groceries to unlock a fast and frictionless experience for their shoppers in Kansas City.”
This move reflects Amazon’s ongoing efforts to expand its technology and solutions into the grocery and broader retail sectors. Amazon launched Just Walk Out at Whole Foods Market locations and other third-party venues, like WHSmith in LaGuardia Airport.
