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That's something Walmart or anyone else could do. Doing it without compromising on losing items to theft, that's where Amazon is trying to create its moat, and
by raz32dust 9y ago
That's something Walmart or anyone else could do. Doing it without compromising on losing items to theft, that's where Amazon is trying to create its moat, and that is where their competitive advantage lies. They have the technology to go completely employee-free. So while it was enlightening and impressive to read about the Waitrose system, it makes it sound like Amazon is being naive and did not think about this simple solution, which I believe is not the case. Amazon could easily do that, but then everyone else could easily copy them. This technology though, Walmart is going to have a really hard time replicating it.
- tanilama 9y agoSomeone needs to fulfill the items and chiming in under unexpected events, and clean the store. Cashiers might go, but the rest of the crew that needed to operate a store will still be there. One advantage I would imagine for Amazon Go is going to be the experience for the customers, that without the need to queue and even forget checkout at all, is great. However I doubt how much they could save from going cashier free.
- raz32dust 9y agoThis is true, to be sure. And all this tech will also need expensive maintenance. I am not sure how much they'll actually end up saving. I'd also miss the happy experience that you sometimes get when dealing with a cheerful crew. The ambience and crew is one reason I shop groceries almost exclusively from Trader Joe's.
- qmarchi 9y agoIt is something that Walmart is working on. They're currently piloting it in a handful of stores and it's available at all Sam's Club locations. Both are by phone, but WM will have dedicated had scanners for those who don't have/want a smartphone.