Amazon and Starbucks eye Just Walk Out retail technology tie up

Amazon and Starbucks have discussed the creation of co-branded coffee shops featuring the former’s Just Walk Out technology.

According to a report by Business Insider: “The initial layout of the store shows Amazon Go’s food section within a cafe that has a lounge seating area.”

“Customers would have to use separate apps for pay - Starbucks’s app for drinks and Amazon’s app for food - though the companies eventually want to build an integrated solution. The store was expected to have a newly created brand.”

The tie up might not happen, however, with the aforementioned report noting that it includes roll-out milestones that thus far haven’t been met.

Just Walk Out was pioneered at the Amazon Go offering in the States.

It features in six Amazon Fresh locations that have been opened in London.

The latest one debuted last month and is situated in Dalston.

The other five are in Camden, Ealing, Wembley Park, White City and Canary Wharf. Opening hours are from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days a week.

Customers use the Amazon app to enter and put their phone away and shop for what they need. At the end of their visit, they can head for the exit, with no need to stand in a queue or check out. 

Amazon is planning further openings in the greater London area, with reports suggesting Bankside could be next, although it has not revealed exact numbers or locations.