Have you heard about the new contactless stores that Amazon are opening in the UK? Read all about the latest store to open and what this means for the future.
For many years now, we have been forced to stand in long queues in busy grocery stores just to pick up our weekly shopping. But – what if you could just walk into the store and walk out without having to wait by the till? This is something which is becoming possible thanks to Amazon and the new technology they are using in their fresh stores across Europe. Read on to hear more about these stores.
More Stores To Open
The first Amazon store opened up in London just last week and it has already caused quite a stir. Customers have been able to pay for their groceries at home before they enter and then pick them up without having to come into contact with any staff.
This concept is hugely popular, and Amazon has already announced that there will be dozens of new stores opening on the UK high streets in the future. There are currently 20 Amazon Go stores in the US but the new stores in Europe will operate under the Fresh Brand, instead.
Contactless Tech using QR Codes
So, how does it work? Amazon has managed to speed up the entire shopping process by allowing customers to choose their items on their mobile phones. They then are required to scan a QR code on entry and as they move around the store, cameras will pick up their movements and any items they choose.
This technology is very advanced, but it doesn’t come as a surprise that mobile phones are being used in this way. Millions of secure payments are made quickly and effectively through smartphones every day at gaming sites like NetBet Casino, online retail stores like Pretty Little Thing and streaming sites like Netflix and Spotify, to mention just a few diverse examples. The contactless technology for payments is also something that has been used in services such as ApplePay and Google Pay for many years now.
What Does This Mean For the Future?
Starting next year, it is expected that Amazon will open at least 20 new stores. This is great news for customers across the UK who are looking for new ways to shop. However, there is some cause for concern when it comes to changing retail and the staff that are required to keep these shops open. Will contactless shopping result in fewer jobs on the high street?
Amazon is one of the leading ecommerce brands around the world and it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are ahead of their competitors when it comes to innovation. We expect other brands to take note and incorporate this technology into their apps going forward.
Final Summary
As you can see, Amazon is doing something quite drastic, but we are keen to see where they go with this. One store has already been opened in London so make sure to keep an eye out to see where the next location happens to be. Hopefully, this move is something that is beneficial for people all around the UK!
