We’ve seen the inevitable happen. Dystopia, is dystopia no more. Nothing seems too distant or extreme for real-life occurrence. Why then can’t one of the world’s largest tech companies launch their very own physical store? That too for groceries? And that too with their own tech add-ons? Alexa, show them how it’s done.
New Store Alert
Reiterating it’s belief that physical stores will continue being a near-irreplaceable component in retail, Amazon opened its first physical store in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. However, this is simply the first of a chain of stores the tech biggie plans to open (in locations such as Naperville, Illinois, Irvine, California and North Hollywood, California to name a few)
This seems to come in as direct competition to chains like Walmart which currently dominates the physical retail space in the US.
The store will initially function on an invitation only basis and will operate between 7 am and 10 pm. These are subject to change, depending on further developments. The store is expected to house products of mainstream brands apart offering Amazon’s in house products as well.
The store will extend offers to Prime Members – such as free home delivery.
Tech add-ons
Not forgoing the tech aspect of it, for starters the store is expected to incorporate an automated AI and camera approach to the checkout process. Customers will be greeted with a new feature – Amazon Dash Cart. This feature allows people to build their own list of items to shop (using Amazon devices or the Alexa App) before they step into the store. The Echo Show devices (powered by our dear Alexa, of course) attached at various points throughout the store will assist people in doling out more information on the products as well as where to find them in the store. Before the customers exit in their designated lanes.
Offering variety, safely
The store will also offer a range of culinary products to visitors made by an in-house team. Fresh. Every day. These range from freshly baked bread, to pizzas and rotisserie chickens
With the threat of pandemic still looming large, Amazon hasn’t left behind safety safeguards. Employees will undergo temperature checks daily, with mandatory usage of masks for the workers as well as visiting customers. Having said that, the store will observe a maximum occupancy capacity of 50% at all times.
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