Amazon to Launch Cashierless Stores in Canada

Amazon is doubling down on its Just Walk Out technology, with plans to expand to sport arenas in Toronto and Calgary. The e-commerce giant hasn’t divulged when its stores will launch in Scotiabank Arena and Scotiabank Saddledome, though various reports say it may happen later this fall. Jon Jenkins, Vice President of Just Walk Out at AWS told Yahoo! Finance that the company plans to further expand its presence in Canada, beyond just sport arenas.

A Cashierless Experience

Similar to the experience at its other locations, soon sports fans will be able to head into an Amazon store and pick up the items they want. Each location is equipped with overhead cameras and sensors, which leverage computer vision, generative AI, and machine learning to monitor which items are picked up or placed back on the shelves. Once they’re done shopping, the credit or debit card consumers used for entry will be charged automatically and they’ll get a receipt.

Frictionless Shopping

Cashierless shopping continues to grow in popularity worldwide. And what’s not to like? Consumers appreciate the convenience it offers as it saves them time without having to wait in line. For merchants, it helps reduce theft as the newest innovations—such as computer vision—enable them to keep track of what items shoppers take off the shelves and what gets put back. Earlier this year, we covered Japan’s venture into the world of biometrics with its self-service point-of-sale (POS) cash register that enables shoppers to pay using biometrics such as facial recognition. To use this service, consumers simply register by providing their facial image on a website that is connected to Yahoo! JapanID and PayPay account. Once consumers are ready to check out, they scan the barcode on their product, choose the “Face Recognition Payment” option, and look into the camera provided. Overall, it’s an area Amazon is betting big on. The e-commerce giant has been making waves with its Amazon One technology, recently announcing a partnership with Whole Foods. Beginning with a select number of Whole Food locations in Colorado, customers can link their palm and payment card at a point-of-sale station or kiosk. Once registration is completed, the customer can check out with their items by scanning the palm of their hand over a scanner. The company has also been working with Panera Bread and Starbucks on similar initiatives.