Amazon Fresh’s senior vice president has confirmed it will discontinue its "just walk out" checkout-free technology. First launched in 2016, the system allows shoppers to leave stores without paying at the checkout, with customers charged automatically through their Amazon accounts.
However, the roll-out of cashierless stores was paused last year and its maiden UK branch in London Ealing was closed.
Speaking to the Telegraph, an Amazon spokesperson noted that though customers enjoyed skipping the checkout line, they also wanted to view their receipt as they shop and be able to easily find nearby products and deals.
Amazon says it will now prioritise "smart trolley technology" in its grocery stores, comprising a scanner and screen embedded in shopping carts that allow shoppers to checkout as they shop.
One notable problem was that although "just walk out" technology seemed automated, 70% of sales relied on verification from human reviewers watching and labelling videos from India. Amazon has disputed this number.
A small number of Amazon Fresh stores in the UK are reported to be keeping "just walk out" technology, as are some Amazon Go convenience stores.
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