Amazon today announced the launch of a new variety of its cashier-less Go store that’s much smaller than a standard one. The company is referring to it as a small-format Go store, and it’s a freestanding construction with its own enclosed ceiling, which is where it places a majority of the cameras and sensors used to track shoppers and determine when an item has been taken off the shelf.
Amazon says this version, located on the sixth floor of the Macy’s building at 300 Pine Street in downtown Seattle, measures about 450 square feet and serves mainly pre-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, as well as beverages and snacks.
A typical Go store is much larger, usually serving a wider variety of pre-made food, as well as household supplies, groceries, and in some cases, alcohol. It’s clear this small-format version is Amazon’s way of getting Go stores into much more constrained spaces, like malls and perhaps even airports.
Reuters reported last week that Amazon had discussions with both the Los Angeles International Airport and the San Jose International Airport over the summer to bring Go stores to terminals. That makes a whole lot of sense, given how the Go store has no lines or checkout process, making it a perfect fit for busy travelers who need a quick bite.
Author: Nick Statt
Originally Published on December 12, 2018 at 12:07PM
Article published originally via The Verge https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/12/18138353/amazon-go-store-small-format-seattle-launch