Starbucks upgrades Amazon Just Walk Out technology powered NYC stores for improved smartphone experience

Starbucks reports that two of its large New York cafes with Amazon's Just Walk Out technology have been upgraded to a more intuitive system, making it easier for its Green Apron partners to offer exclusive merchandise and food, and for customers to enjoy a seamless smartphone experience.

Customers can now tap into the lounge area and walk out with their snacks and coffee, and order from the Starbucks Pickup section with the retailer’s app, without waiting in line.

In a LinkedIn post, Jessica Mills, Senior Director, Global Growth and Development at Starbucks, said: “For me, this journey began five years ago. On my first day back from maternity leave on 2nd July 2019, I was asked how we could partner with Amazon Go products and Just Walk Out technology.”

“This led to a deeper study on creating effortless experiences, culminating in the opening of two unique stores in New York City in November 2021 and July 2022. These stores serve as incubators and learning centres, with several programmes and insights being scaled across Starbucks.”

She added: “It has been an epic experience, and I am confident that the learnings will continue in this next chapter.”

“Multi-year, multi-variety, cross-functional, cross-company innovations have brought both joy and challenges in pursuit of an ambitious vision. The best of Starbucks and Amazon worked on the collaboration.”

Mills concluded: “Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard and believed in this effort. Please stop by the two stores to give a big high five to the team, order your favourite coffee, shop the space and stay a while: 40th + 8th at the foot of The New York Times building, and 111 w 59th (between Park and Lexington)”.

The O2 and Amazon

The O2 will be one of more than a dozen third-party locations in the UK to offer Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology by the end of this year.

It will be the first indoor arena in England to use the solution, with a new store allowing people to tap their card or mobile wallet, grab their chosen drinks and snacks, and quickly get back to their seats.

The O2 adds to a growing list of UK venues that have opened stores powered by Just Walk Out technology, including ExCel London and The SSE Arena.

Jon Jenkins, Vice President, Just Walk Out technology, says: “We have stores in corporate headquarters like Bentley Motors and Santander Bank, as well as our own Amazon headquarters in London.”

“We’re also in hospitals and universities, including stores at Telford Hospital and Sussex University, and we recently launched a store at Gridserve’s EV Station at Gatwick Airport, with more Gridserve stores coming later this year.”

“By the end of 2024, we expect to be in more than a dozen third-party stores in the UK, as well as in all 20 UK Amazon Fresh stores.”