Amazon is trialling what it says is the world's most advanced shopping technology. It is its new-concept grocery store called Amazon Go. It has no checkout counters, cashiers or queues. The technology works via an app on a shopper's mobile device. The app checks in when the shopper enters the store. It lets you shop and then scans what you have bought as you leave the store. Amazon then bills you later and your shopping is charged to your Amazon account. There is no being held up by slow customers, people using credit cards or by waiting for change.
Amazon Go may improve the high street shopping experience and provide a boost for brick-and-mortar stores. The grocery and convenience store markets are extremely tough to crack. Profit margins are low and competition is strong. Amazon seems confident it can succeed. Rumours are the retail giant has plans for 2,000 grocery stores across the USA. It could also sell its shopping technology software to retailers worldwide. An industry analyst said Amazon Go could change shopping. He said: "It makes it just as convenient, if not more convenient, than online shopping."
