https://www.seattleeatsblog.com/blog/amazon-go for all my pictures and videos inside Amazon Go!
Amazon Go opened on Monday, so as soon as I clocked, I walked down to Amazon Go and got in line. Yes, I waited in line to go to the new grocery store where there are no checkout lines. The irony is not lost on me. But then again, this is Seattle, and we own our lines and waiting in them is a badge of honor for us. Especially if it's raining. And also, it was opening day of this brand-new technology, and everyone wanted to check it out.
As the new "just walk out" grocery store, there are no checkout lines. "Computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning" allow the store to automatically track when you pick up and put back items, then when you've finished shopping, you can just head on your way, no checkout required. Your Amazon account will be charged for whatever you walk out with.
First off, I've seen a few misconceptions about Amazon Go floating around, so touching on them seems to be a good place to start.
Real people do actually work there, and there are zero robots. There's an entire kitchen team whipping up the ready-to-eat salads and sandwiches, doormen to answer questions and give out free Amazon Go reusable shopping bags, and guys stocking the shelves. There are at least a couple people near the doors, to help people get scanned in if they're having technical difficulties. And a guy standing by the liquor who'll card you and keep kids from grabbing it. It's just that they aren't working as cashiers.
It's not really replacing your grocery store. Or mine; at least not in this iteration. It's a convenience store, but upgraded. There are bottled and canned drinks, snacks and chocolates, sandwiches and salads, liquor, take-and-make boxed dinners (very similar to something like Hello Fresh), a few household and pantry staples like toilet paper and ramen (that's a staple I promise), and a tiny little bit of fresh meats. There are quite a few local Seattle products available, like Theo's Chocolates and Tim's chips. But there are no aisles, no rows of fresh produce. And it's not very big at 1,800 square feet. It's designed for quick trips.
The Amazon Go app provides a QR code that you scan to enter the store and start your shopping session. The gates look a lot like subway terminal or theme park gates, and they open up when you scan your code. The app itself links up to your Amazon account, and you can choose your payment method from the ones listed there.
If your phone is dead when you get there, they have chargers available so you can quickly power-up and scan yourself in.
Once inside, the world is your oyster. I tested out picking up several different items, walking around with them, and then putting them back. We'll pretend it was for research and not because I'm indecisive.
If you need spot to microwave and nosh on whatever you just picked up, Amazon has you covered. There's a small seating area with microwaves, napkins, plasticware, and most importantly: hot sauce packets, free wifi, and charging stations.
I won't lie, it was a bit awkward to "just walk out." It does feel a little like you're shoplifting the first time you go. Everyone I saw there was just as awkward and hesitant to leave. We've spent our whole lives being told we're not allowed to take things from stores, and it's probably going to take some getting used to.
The only real danger I see is the same one that's been around for a while with credit cards: people over-buying because it doesn't feel like you're actually spending your money.
But rest assured, you are. A few minutes after I left the store, I got a notification showing me the items the store claimed were in my bag when I left. I had the opportunity to remove items from the receipt that I felt I was charged for incorrectly, but there were none. All of those things I'd picked up and walked around with and put back did get removed from my virtual cart.
Fun fact: it also tells you how long your shopping trip was. I clocked in at 10 minutes and 9 seconds, most of which was walking around taking pictures and seeing what was available.
Right around an hour after I approved of my cart, I got the email receipt showing that my Amazon account, and therefore my debit card, had been charged.
But how was the food? I really enjoyed the BKLT Wrap I got. And some of those salads looked wonderful. I especially want to try the Steak Nicoise Salad next time I stop in, since it was sold out by the time I got there.
Overall, it was a cool experience, especially to get to go to the very first day. I'll probably be back at some point. If you're in a rush, I could see this being a handy option to have. read more