Amazon’s cashier less store ‘Amazon Go’ has finally made its debut on 22nd of January, Monday in Seattle after much fanfare announcement in December 2016. This convenient store does away with any checkout counters and cashiers. Future!! You can grab whatever they want and walk out. Yes Seriously!! It apparently uses computer vision and machine-learning algorithms to track purchases and charge shoppers from their Amazon account.
It has lots and lots of camera inside which are crucial to detect any theft attempt or for monitory purpose when so many people enter the store. You can also buy wine there with your ID. Under this self driving technology, it is a boon in this era for those who hate waiting on long queue e.g. pregnant ladies or large families with many annoying kids. Although, “it would take more such stores, space and resources to replicate this in more number of places” as told by former Amazon execs to Wall Street Journal. This brick-and-mortar retail store could introduce more whole foods on its shelves.
Making Customers Do the Work:
After opening around half a dozen book stores, Amazon’s attempt in venturing physical retail has been just the right move since 2015. It includes campus book store that doesn’t sell books and now convenient store without any cashier. As 90 percent of worldwide retail spending is still on the brick-and-mortar stores, according to eMarketer. So it is indeed a big and a wise step after establishing dominance over e-commerce but it will take time for a smooth process and customer’s to get used to. All it requires is a Prime membership and Amazon Go app.
If the retail performance goes well then this move could promote online performance in long run too. Although this Seattle company earned $724 million last year, a 41% hike from a year earlier. Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian T. Olsavsky told investors on Thursday that the stores represent “another way to reach the customer and test what resonates with them.” He said the company has been pleased with the results, but he didn’t elaborate.
Company is also testing a grocery pickup service at two locations in Seattle where prime members would be able to order grocery online and visit one of these stores to pickup skipping the aisles. Even crews would bring orders to drive through areas while customers sit inside the car. It is cheaper than door-to-door deliveries.
Amazon already makes heavy use of robots at warehouses to fulfill online orders. Amazon would licence automated retail store’s technology soon and upgrade the technology to manage the inventory better and even assess discount items, says Sucharita Mulpuru, a retail analyst from North Carolina.
Even though they have Beta Tested the store with fake customer’s store-lifting wearing Pikachu dress detect through camera sensors and crowd entering on peak hours and family with kids re positioning items on other shelves but still they have big questions on food and store security that needs to be consider.
Cons of ‘Amazon Go’ App (4.8 stars out of 5 on App store):-
As told by one of the app reviewer ‘Moluccky’
- App is missing search box
- App is missing any locator like shelf number or row number
- No information on Calorie or sugar intake for ready to eat food or other products.
- App is missing special dietary requirement suggestions e.g. gluten free or vegan stuff
On one hand Amazon saves money on cashiers but may also add to already aggravated unemployment in the world. But all an all it is indeed a brand new advancement in retail world of 2018! Shout out to Amazon! Now, checkout lines would be a thing of the past.
For a Live Customer’s Experience, watch this video: 
Address of Amazon Go Store: Ground floor of Amazon’s New Headquarter
Seventh Avenue, Seattle
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