Amazon Go is finally expanding into America’s tech capital, as the first of two locations for the cashierless convenience stores opens today in downtown San Francisco.
Today’s launch follows Amazon Go openings in Seattle and Chicago. The new 2,300 sq. ft. SF Amazon Go is located in the Financial District at 300 California St. And it won’t be alone, as Amazon is prepping a second San Francisco Go store to open this winter at 98 Post St.
In what’s basically a digital-era take on the 7-11 concept, Amazon Go stores employ the use of high-tech cameras and sensors to track what you purchase and automatically charge your credit card as you walk out the door, without you ever having to interact with a cashier.
Of note for this particular launch is that Amazon has an actual cashierless store rival in SF. Standard Market opened up last month featuring its own take on the automated, grab-and-go shopping experience.
Many startups and stalwarts are exploring cashierless checkout technology, including Trigo Vision and AIPoly. Even Microsoft is rumored to be in talks with Walmart over implementing such a service. Amazon, however, continues to outpace the competition. For those keeping track, here’s a list of Amazon Go Stores:
- January 22, 2018: Seattle, 7th Ave. – 1,800 sq. ft.
- August 27, 2018: Seattle, 5th Ave. – 1,450 sq. ft.
- September 4, 2018: Seattle, Boren Ave. – 2,100 sq. ft.
- September 17, 2018: Chicago, S. Franklin – 2,000 sq. ft.
- October 8, 2018: Chicago, Clark St. – 1,200 sq. ft.
- October 23: San Francisco, California st. – 2,300 sq. ft.
Chicago will soon get a third location, and we now know the upcoming NYC location will be across from the World Trade Center.
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