Amazon Opens Its Cashless Convenience Store on First Hill

Amazon has opened a new First Hill Amazon Go store, the high-tech, cashless convenience store that allows shoppers to purchase items without interacting with a checkout system. The new store sits at the intersection of Madison and Minor, at 1122 Madison St.

At Amazon Go stores, shoppers scan their smartphone upon entry, and items are added to a virtual cart as they’re removed from the shelves. The store then chargers shoppers’ Amazon accounts through the Amazon Go app in a process that can feel somewhat like shoplifting, and can tend to sow confusion among the uninitiated. Options include prepared and frozen food, sandwiches, grocery staples, and Amazon Meal Kits.

The world’s first such store opened in Denny Triangle in January 2018 after 14 months of testing. And now there are five locations in Seattle (including one in the Macy’s Building that has restricted access), plus stores in Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.

Meanwhile, Whole Foods — which is now owned by Amazon — is opening its West Seattle store (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) on Wednesday, October 9. Starting at 9 a.m. on opening day, the first 300 customers will get a free Whole Foods Market canvas tote bag, snacks, and savings cards valued between $5 and $100.

• Amazon Go [Official]
• The Lunch Rush of the Future [ESEA]