Amazon is continuing its quest to revolutionize the shopping experience, this time by expanding its “Just Walk Out” technology to include softline merchandise, with a particular focus on fan gear like clothing. To achieve this, the e-commerce giant is embracing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), a technology that’s been around for decades and is known for its use in tracking inventory.
In typical Just Walk Out fashion, customers in these stores can simply pick up the items they want and make payments either with a card or by using their palm on an Amazon One device. What sets this apart is that each piece of merchandise is equipped with a unique RFID tag. As customers pass through the exit gate, these tags are read, and the corresponding charges are applied automatically.
This move follows a successful test run of RFID technology at the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena during the tail end of the 2022-2023 NHL season. The positive feedback from fans and arena officials prompted Amazon to extend the RFID rollout to the Seattle Seahawks’ Lumen Field for the 2023-2024 NFL season. Notably, Lumen Field will now host the highest number of Just Walk Out stores in any venue, marking the ninth such store.
Amazon boasts significant success with its Just Walk Out concept. The inaugural store opened in 2018, and since then, it has expanded to 75 Amazon-owned and 85 third-party locations, including sports stadiums, airports, and college campuses. While currently limited to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Amazon is planning to launch new Just Walk Out locations on a monthly basis.
This move to incorporate RFID technology is yet another example of Amazon’s commitment to streamlining the shopping process, offering customers a quicker and more convenient way to make their purchases. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast looking for fan gear or simply someone who values a hassle-free shopping experience, Amazon’s Just Walk Out stores with RFID support are poised to make your next shopping trip a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RFID Shopping
What is Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology?
Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology is a cashier-less shopping experience that allows customers to pick up items and make payments without the need for traditional checkout processes.
How does Just Walk Out work with RFID for softline merchandise?
Just Walk Out with RFID uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on each piece of merchandise. When customers pass through the exit gate, these tags are read, and payments are automatically processed, streamlining the shopping experience.
Where has Amazon tested RFID for Just Walk Out?
Amazon initially tested RFID for Just Walk Out at the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena during the last few games of the 2022-2023 NHL season. It received positive feedback and was subsequently expanded to the Seattle Seahawks’ Lumen Field for the 2023-2024 NFL season.
What benefits have Just Walk Out stores seen with RFID technology?
The first Just Walk Out store at Lumen Field reported an 85 percent higher transaction rate and 112 percent better total sales per game during the 2022-2023 season compared to the traditional retailer that previously occupied the space.
In which countries is Just Walk Out technology available?
Currently, Just Walk Out technology is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with Amazon planning to launch new locations in various regions on a monthly basis.
More about RFID Shopping
- Amazon Just Walk Out Technology: Official page providing details on Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
- RFID Technology Explained: A comprehensive resource for understanding Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
- Amazon’s Expansion of Just Walk Out with RFID: News article covering Amazon’s expansion of Just Walk Out technology with RFID for softline merchandise.
- Seattle Kraken’s Experience with Just Walk Out: Details on the implementation of Just Walk Out technology at the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena.
- Success of Just Walk Out Stores: CNBC article discussing the success of Just Walk Out stores, including the use of RFID.
- International Expansion of Just Walk Out: News on Amazon’s plans for international expansion of Just Walk Out stores.
4 comments
As a sports fan, I’m lovin’ this. Seen it at Kraken’s arena, now at Seahawks’ field. Less waitin’, more watchin’ the game!
This is lik somthin’ out of a sci-fi movie. Can’t believe they’re usin’ RFID for clothes. Amazin’ how tech keeps changin’ everything.
Tech is takin’ ova, even in shoppin’. Amazon’s pushin’ the boundaries. Bet we’ll see more of these stores worldwide soon!
wow, Amazon is goin’ all-in on tech, rite? RFID in Just Walk Out stores – awsum! no more cashiers, yay!