Amazon to launch cashier-less Whole Foods groceries in 2022

Amazon announced that it will be opening two Whole Foods Market stores that will have no human cashiers in them. The grocery outlets with the company’s “Just Walk Out” technology will initially be set up in two locations - in Sherman Oaks, California, and Washington, D.C.

According to Fox Business, Amazon revealed its plan for Whole Foods Market that it owns on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The e-commerce and tech firm said it will be bringing its cashier-less innovative technology to the supermarket chain for the first time.

The cashier-less feature is already in operation in some of Amazon’s convenience stores but this is the first time to be installed in Whole Foods Market. With this, customers may opt to leave the store after shopping without the need to fall in line to pay for their purchases.

Just like with select Amazon Go store locations that have the cashier-less feature, shoppers can simply grab everything they need and leave the premises without paying. This was made possible by the cameras and sensors that were strategically installed around the store.

Once shoppers take something from the shelves, the devices sense them and automatically charge the purchase to the customer’s account. All shoppers must create their Amazon account to be able to enjoy cashier-less shopping. Their credit cards will be linked to the account for automated payments.

“Since Whole Foods Market was founded more than 40 years ago, we have focused on finding new ways to surprise and delight our customers and improve the shopping experience,” Whole Foods Market’s co-founder, John Mackey, said in a blog post. “By collaborating with Amazon to introduce Just Walk Out Shopping at these two Whole Foods Market stores, our customers will be able to shop for fresh, thoughtfully sourced products that all meet our unparalleled quality standards, receive exceptional service from our Team Members throughout their shopping trip, and save time by skipping the checkout line.”

Finally, for people who do not have an Amazon account or simply prefer the traditional way of shopping, they can choose to line up and pay for their items through the self-checkout counters that will accept cash payments, vouchers, gift cards, and other kinds of payment modes.