Amazon Fresh is a revolutionary idea that may define how stores look in the future, but there isn't a lot of them around. Now, a new store has just opened up in the D.C. area, and people are flocking to buy their groceries in the smart store.
Amazon's New Fresh Store in the D.C. Area
As reported by NBC Washington, Amazon's new chain of kiosk-less stores has arrived at Manchester Boulevard in Franconia, Virginia.
Amazon Fresh is an interesting take on the brick-and-mortar store. It aims to do away with kiosks and cashiers by allowing people to take products off of the shelf and walk out of the store with them.
When you enter an Amazon Fresh store, you first scan the cart you're using with the Amazon app. Then, as you shop, you scan the item on the cart before placing it in. Finally, when you walk out of the store, Amazon automatically tallies up how much you took and charges your account for that amount.
The cart itself can display your shopping list and any coupons as you go. If you use Alexa to create your shopping list, it will automatically order the items by aisle to maximize your efficiency, Essentially, the whole store acts as your shopping list, your coupon book, a store helper, and your cashier, all in one.
The idea is very unique, if not a bit alien to what we expect from stores. That's why people tend to flock to an Amazon Fresh when it opens for the first time. And the new one in Franconia, Virginia is no different, with people queueing since 4 am to get their shopping done.
While other Amazon Fresh stores have been a little on the small side, this one takes them to the next level. It sports 30,000 square feet of groceries and gives shoppers a choice of fresh food and pre-cooked meals.
Amazon isn't done there, though. It wants to open even more in the D.C. area and has its eyes set on Chevy Chase as its next location. As such, if you're in either area, keep an eye out for people leaving Amazon stores without paying. They're not stealing; it's just how Amazon Fresh works!
Keeping Retail Fresh With Amazon
Amazon Fresh started as a small store with a simple premise; pick up what you want and leave. Now, a huge store has opened in the D.C. area, and it should only be a matter of time until there's one near you.
Of course, if you'd rather have the groceries come to you, you can do that too. There are plenty of online delivery services like Instacart that do the picking, packing, and delivery for you.