Amazon Just Walk Out tech provides front row seat to future of retail as Fresh stores close
In September, we reported that Amazon was binning its ambitious Amazon Fresh experiment in the UK, just four years after the US online giant launched its first grocery store in London.
It is shuttering its 19 Fresh stores, with plans to convert five of these into Whole Foods Market locations.
The first one opened in the UK during 2021 in Ealing, west London, powered by Just Walk Out technology.
This is the entirely predictable result of throwing huge amounts of cash at technology to sell groceries, according to Ged Futter, Director at the retail mind, a grocery retail consultancy practice.
However, Sakshi Kuwad, Interim Operations Lead at Amazon UKI, sees things differently.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Seeing Amazon Fresh close has made me think back on what a bold and ambitious idea it really was. Working there showed me just how far retail innovation can go when technology, operations, and experimentation all collide.”
He added: “From computer vision to frictionless checkout to reinventing the grocery experience - it was a front row seat to the future of retail, long before most people even imagined it. Even though the stores are closing, the innovation and learning will continue to impact the industry for years .It was a unique chance to work at the intersection of operations and cutting-edge tech, helping to bring a completely new store concept to life.”
“Being part of a team that experimented, adapted, and pushed boundaries taught me a lot about operational excellence and what it takes to run an innovative retail model. Even though this chapter is closing, I’m proud to have played a role in something so forward thinking.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Autonomous stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
Continue reading…