Seattle suburbs get second frictionless Amazon Go store
Amazon continues to expand its Amazon Go suburban format.
The online giant has been broadening the portfolio of its Amazon Go checkout-free convenience concept with a new format for suburban locations. The latest location for the concept, which is still called Amazon Go, is in the Frederickson area of Puyallup, Wash., about 35 miles south of Seattle and 10 miles east of Tacoma. The opening comes as Amazon has put the expansion of its grocery store concept, Amazon Fresh, on pause.
The total square footage of the newest Amazon Go location is approximately 5,250 sq. ft. Front of house measures approximately 2,480 sq. ft.
‘Just Walk Out’ with purchases
The newest Amazon Go location features Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology, and is designed to offer customers a quick shopping experience to pick up grab-and-go food, snacks and beverage items and a few everyday essentials.
The retailer’s Just Walk Out technology leverages a combination of computer vision, sensor fusion and deep learning that enables shoppers to shop the store, pick out what they want and skip the checkout when they’re done. When shoppers arrive, they open the Amazon app, tap “In-Store Code,” and scan in with the QR code presented.
The new Amazon Go also offers an expanded selection of grab-and-go food and beverage items, including a broader range of beer and wine, and everyday essential items. It also features a new made-to-order kitchen, which offers freshly prepared, customizable breakfast and lunch items.
In addition, customers can return eligible items purchased on Amazon.com at the customer service counter located inside the store. Shoppers must start the return on Amazon.com and make sure you select this Amazon Go store as the drop-off location. After submitting the return request, they will receive a return QR code which they need to bring to show a store employee along with their return, without the need to print or package anything.
Spreading in the suburbs
The Amazon Go suburban format debuted at a store in Mill Creek, Wash., in April 2022. In September 2022, Amazon Go opened a location in Whittier, Calif. – which is part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
In November 2022, Amazon Go opened its second suburban store in the Los Angeles area in Torrance, Calif., followed by its third Greater Los Angeles location in Woodland Hills, Calif., later that month.
Amazon Go – a brief history
Amazon opened the first Amazon Go in January 2018, in Seattle. The concept has since expanded to 30 locations across the United States, including two “Starbucks Pickup with Amazon Go” locations jointly operated with Starbucks in mid-town Manhattan.
In addition, Amazon debuted Amazon Go Grocery, since rebranded to Amazon Fresh, in February 2020; and also operates an Amazon Fresh grocery store in the Ealing section of London.