Today, Amazon officially opened its first non-Seattle autonomous Go grocery store, this time setting up shop in Chicago. As we reported in the spring, Amazon has been hoping to aggressively roll out more storefronts over the last year. While the online giant is planning on introducing as many as six additional locations stateside over the next year. Today’s grand opening in Chicago marks the first location outside of Amazon’s Seattle headquarters and thus, a major step in expanding this project. More below.
Amazon opens Chicago Go location
Amazon’s new Go autonomous grocery store is located at 113 South Franklin St., Chicago, Illinois. Doors open Monday through Friday at 7am until 8pm. Much like Amazon’s other Go locations, it is closed on the weekends.
The Franklin Street location is roughly five blocks west of Michigan Avenue, and sits adjacent to the Chicago River and Willis Tower. Shoppers can begin visiting the latest Amazon Go location today, as doors opened this morning.
What is Amazon Go?
Amazon Go is Amazon’s answer to the convenience store. A cashierless system allows shoppers to walk in and purchase any item without interacting with store personnel. It’s all arranged through Amazon’s iOS and Android app. Simply walk in and the store’s Geo-fence recognizes your presence.
Your cart total is automatically tabulated while shopping by Amazon’s integrated sensors throughout the store. Simply walk out the door and your bill is charged to your Amazon account.
Amazon Go is a new kind of store with no checkout required. We created the world’s most advanced shopping technology so you never have to wait in line. With our Just Walk Out Shopping experience, simply use the Amazon Go app to enter the store, take the products you want, and go! No lines, no checkout. (No, seriously.)
What’s next for Amazon Go?
As we detailed earlier this year, Amazon Go is expected to expand to an additional five locations over the next year. San Francisco and New York are obvious potential candidates for new storefronts. Amazon is expected to also explore metro areas such as Austin, Texas and Miami, Florida. One thing is for sure, as the model continues to show its viability, Amazon is certain to roll out additional locations.
You can also expect to see Amazon introduce in-store pickup at Go locations in the near future. Much like Amazon is doing with Whole Foods locations, you’ll soon be able to walk in to a local Go store and grab your order shortly after clicking buy. Combine that with Treasure Truck-like exclusives and Amazon Go has a serious future as a go-to spot for shoppers in major cities.
Learn more about Amazon Go right here.
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