Aramark Embraces Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology for Enhanced Employee Experience
As the workforce evolves and more employees return to the office, companies are seeking innovative ways to meet their employees’ changing needs. Convenient access to food and beverages is a key factor for many, and Aramark, a global leader in food and facilities management, is at the forefront of this trend. The company recently opened ‘The Market’ at its Philadelphia headquarters, the first Just Walk Out technology store in a US corporate setting.
Aramark, serving 15 countries with educational institutions, corporations, sports teams, and healthcare providers, recognizes the importance of providing convenient and efficient service. Its Philadelphia headquarters, with over 1,200 employees, now features ‘The Market,’ offering a wide variety of grab-and-go meals, snacks, and beverages.
Greta Patel, regional vice president of LifeWorks Restaurant Group, noted that guest experience is paramount: “The Market, with Just Walk Out technology, adds to the overall employee experience, allowing guests to move quickly through the store and get back to their day.”
How Just Walk Out Technology Works
Just Walk Out technology offers a checkout-free shopping experience. Customers enter the store by scanning a credit card, select their items, and simply leave. The system, powered by deep learning, sensor fusion, AI, and computer vision, automatically detects the items chosen using a virtual cart. When a customer exits, they are charged for their selections.
This technology also streamlines group purchases, common in corporate settings. For example, it efficiently handles hosted shopping trips by tracking individual selections but billing the group with a single transaction. This simplifies the process for both employees and the company.
Benefits of Just Walk Out for Businesses
Beyond enhanced convenience, Just Walk Out technology offers several strategic advantages for businesses. The system enables extended operating hours, optimizes staffing, and allows employees to focus on higher-value tasks. Jon Jenkins, VP of Just Walk Out technology by Amazon, highlighted the benefits: “If you’re in the office, you may only have a few minutes between meetings to grab a bite and a drink and get back to your desk. The Market by Aramark provides a fast, friction-free employee shopping experience.”
Other Aramark partnerships with Just Walk Out include the Viking Market at North Park University in Chicago, Lesley on the Go at Lesley University, and locations at Minute Maid Park and Coors Field. For additional details, explore justwalkout.com.
