New Croydon and Monument Amazon Fresh stores feature manned checkouts alongside Just Walk Out tech

Amazon recently opened Amazon Fresh checkout-free stores in Croydon and Monument.

In addition to a convenience grocery offering, customers can also pick up items purchased on Amazon.co.uk at an Amazon Hub, and return items without needing to package the product or print a shipping label. 

These stores also, for the first time, feature manned checkouts, the others being powered entirely by Just Walk Out technology.

An Amazon spokesperson told RTIH: “At Monument and East Croydon, customers have the option to either shop with Just Walk Out technology where they enter through a gateless opening and identify themselves by scanning either their in-store QR code or payment card at the exit gate, or choose the more traditional method of paying at a checkout.”

Why has Amazon chosen this option and will this be the strategy going forward, i.e. a mix of checkout-free and manned tills?

The spokesperson responded: “Amazon is always innovating on behalf of the customer and we will continue to find ways in which we can better serve our customers. We’re excited to welcome customers into these stores and look forward to their feedback.”

Make of that what you will. Our hot take: Amazon bet big on Just Walk Out technology and discovered that, shock, horror, it wasn’t for everyone.

So, expect a hybrid approach from now on as the e-commerce giant attempts to make inroads in to the hugely competitive UK grocery stores space.

New additions

Last week, Claire Peters and Peter Bowrey officially joined Amazon Fresh, taking on the roles of Vice President of Retail and Vice President, Amazon Fresh Operations respectively.

RTIH first reported on their appointments in August of last year.

Peters comes onboard from Woolworths Supermarkets where she served as Managing Director.

Her CV also includes a stint as Chief Operating Officer at Tesco Stores.

Bowrey, meanwhile, worked for Tesco for over 30 years across various functions and internationally.

Most recently, he was Retail Director at Boots.

In a LinkedIn post from last year, Tony Hoggett, SVP Worldwide Physical Stores & Speciality Fulfilment, Amazon, said: “I’m excited to announce Claire and Peter are joining our growing Amazon Physical Stores leadership team.”

“Both Claire and Pete will join Amazon in early 2023, bringing decades of grocery, international and multi-channel retail experience.”

He added: “I’m inspired by the Amazon Physical Stores and Speciality Fulfilment leadership team we have in place, and we’re all looking forward to growing the business together with our two new members.”

tesco veteran

In 2021, we reported that Hoggett was stepping down from the role of Tesco Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer to head up Amazon’s international stores arm.

In a note to staff, Tesco Chief Executive Ken Murphy wrote: “Tony’s career in Tesco has spanned over 31 years, during which time he has worked in various roles, most recently as Group COO and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer.”

“Tony has made an incredibly valuable contribution over these years, and I wish him the very best for the future.”