Amazon’s Cashierless Store Is Almost A Go

After about a year of prep, Amazon is almost ready to roll out its cashierless store concept.

The store uses algorithms to identify customers as they enter the site, to determine what they are purchasing and to automatically charge their Amazon accounts once they leave.

The initial plan was unveiled last December and was supposed to launch in early 2017. But Amazon hit a snag in March when technical difficulties prevented the app from properly tracking items, causing the e-commerce giant to put a hold on it. 

While there are still challenges with the technology, the cashierless portion of it has improved and will soon be ready for the masses, Bloomberg reports.

One remaining kink has to do with tracking groups of people rather than individuals. Engineers are still trying to determine who to charge if a couple shops together. To combat this issue, focus groups are being used to conduct more tests from a building in Seattle.

It is unclear exactly when Amazon Go will be officially introduced to the broader market, but according to Bloomberg, hiring has recently shifted from engineers and research scientists to construction managers and marketers, meaning Amazon is shifting its focus from research and design to sales and promotions of the store.

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's National Newsletters
Related Stories

Investors Anchor Big Capital Into Marinas, Betting On Shallow Supply

Nike Closes 15 Stores Amid Tumultuous Year

Large Commercial Real Estate Sales Up 30% Despite Economic Headwinds

Evergrande Founder Sentenced To Life, 56 Others Sent To Prison In China

Loud And Clear: Why Aiphone Thinks Intercom Ownership Is Best For Multitenant Buildings

The Fast-Food Exec Taking Her Real Estate Talents To The Looksmaxxing Era

Republicans, Democrats Backing Away From Data Centers Amid Rising Backlash

TJ Maxx Parent Plans To Accelerate Store Openings In 2027

Starwood, Realterm Fund Record Industrial Outdoor Storage Loan

Ashley's Frasers Sets £20B Real Estate Acquisition Target

Rent Concessions Dip As Fewer Apartments Come Online

These 15 Lenders Are Leading The $1.3T Data Center Debt Surge