Amazon has made the decision to close three of its cashierless convenience stores in New York, as reported by The Information. This move is part of the e-commerce giant’s efforts to scale back its cashierless checkout technology known as Just Walk Out. With this closure, Amazon now only has 17 Go convenience stores remaining across the nation, although it did recently open a new one in Washington.
The concept behind these Go convenience stores is quite innovative, as they utilize AI systems to track the items customers pick up, allowing them to purchase these items without the need to go through a traditional checkout process with a cashier. This technology has been in place since 2023, but Amazon has been gradually reducing the number of Go stores it operates by nearly half.
Earlier this year, Amazon also decided to remove the Just Walk Out technology from its grocery stores, shifting its focus towards smaller grab-and-go shops. However, it seems that this decision may not apply to its own convenience stores. Despite the closure of some of its stores, Amazon reassures that it remains committed to the Go format and the overall technology behind it.
It’s worth noting that Amazon does license the Just Walk Out technology to various third-party convenience stores, indicating that the company still sees value in this innovative checkout system. While the closure of some Go stores may raise questions about the future of cashierless technology in retail, Amazon’s continued investment in the technology suggests that it is here to stay.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, with more emphasis on convenience and efficiency, it will be interesting to see how cashierless technology like Just Walk Out will continue to shape the shopping experience for consumers. While Amazon may be adjusting its strategy in this area, the underlying potential of cashierless checkout remains a compelling proposition for both retailers and customers alike.
