A groundbreaking advancement in automated retailing is rapidly gaining prominence in the forecourt sector. A collaborative effort between Amazon, retail chain Simply Fresh, and electric charging operator Gridserve has brought about the innovative Just Walk Out technology, which is set to debut at a site located at Gatwick Airport.
The upcoming charging station, strategically located on the ring road south approach to the South Terminal, is positioned to be the first forecourt in the UK to implement the revolutionary “grab and go” system. This cutting-edge technology is designed to seamlessly track when a product is taken from or returned to the shelf, automatically charging the customer’s card without the need for traditional cashier interaction. Upon entering the store, shoppers simply tap in, setting the stage for a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience.
While cashier-free checkouts have become commonplace in supermarkets, the Amazon Just Walk Out product distinguishes itself by eliminating the necessity for scanning barcodes or weighing goods. This streamlined approach is set to revolutionize the retail landscape, offering an unparalleled level of convenience for consumers.
The 1,000 sq ft store, operated by Simply Fresh under its Little Fresh banner, is geared towards catering to EV drivers seeking a quick recharge before hitting the road. Kash Khera, Chief Operating Officer of Simply Fresh, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, emphasizing the substantial progression it represents for the sector. He highlighted the pivotal role this technology plays in meeting the ever-present need for speed and efficiency, particularly for consumers constantly on the go. Khera firmly believes that this state-of-the-art technology will eventually replace traditional manned tills and self-service checkouts, forever transforming the retail landscape.
Leveraging deep-learning techniques, including generative AI, Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology has harnessed the power of synthetic datasets to simulate millions of realistic shopping scenarios. This ensures unwavering accuracy across various store formats, lighting conditions, and shopper densities, effectively adapting to any environment it encounters.
Beyond its instrumental role as the pioneering UK forecourt to embrace the Just Walk Out technology, the site at Gatwick Airport boasts additional industry firsts. It proudly claims the title of being the sole dedicated electric forecourt at a European international airport, and it also heralds the introduction of the Little Fresh fascia to forecourt settings, tailored specifically for high footfall and food for immediate consumption, with a strong emphasis on snacking and food to go.
According to Khera, several forecourt operators have already expressed keen interest in adopting this groundbreaking technology, envisioning significant cost reductions through the employment of fewer staff or the potential redeployment of checkout personnel to other sections of the store. The forward-thinking Simply Fresh is engaged in discussions with various forecourt operators, presenting the compelling case for integrating the Little Fresh proposition, with or without the Amazon technology, into their business models.
As a testament to their unwavering commitment to enhancing the shopping experience for consumers, Simply Fresh has adorned the shop with electronic shelf labels from Hanshow, marking its third Little Fresh retail site. With plans to expand with opening 10 more locations across the UK, Khera is determined to solidify the brand’s footprint in various strategic locations.
Owned and operated by Gridserve, the featured forecourt is set to offer a designated area for relaxation and work, in addition to providing access to 30 fast charging bays available round the clock. Anticipating widespread use by the local community, as well as the airport’s passengers and staff, Gridserve’s Electric Forecourt Director Paul Brant affirms the company’s unwavering commitment to introducing unparalleled customer experiences.
The collaborative venture between Simply Fresh, Gridserve, and Amazon symbolizes an exciting evolution in the retail sector. With its potential to revolutionize the way we shop, the Just Walk Out technology stands poised to reshape the retail landscape, setting a new standard for convenience and efficiency.
+ There are no comments
Add yours