Milestone for Amazon JWO tech as it launches in France with Flunch's Faim concept

Amazon reports the first ever launch of its Just Walk Out technology in France, pitched as an important milestone in its European expansion.

In an online post, the company says: "This technology revolutionises the shopping experience by enabling a frictionless customer journey, ideal for anyone seeking efficiency and speed. This launch in France marks a new milestone in our plan to expand this technology across Europe, in diverse environments such as restaurants, stadiums, cultural venues, airports, healthcare facilities, and university campuses."

Just Walk Out technology is installed in more than 290 points of sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The first location to go live in France is Faim, a new restaurant concept developed by Flunch. Located on Rue Pierre Mauroy in Lille, this new 33 m² space opened its doors on 15th September.

Amazon says: "Faim positions itself as a "digital gourmet canteen" offering a wide selection of freshly prepared dishes, French specialties, and various takeout options. It aims to combine quality, affordable prices, and speed, thus meeting the expectations of active urbanites. This initiative is in line with Flunch's mission to "fight every day to make the pleasure of eating out a right for all," while adapting its model to new consumer habits."

Baptiste Bayart, President at Flunch, comments: "With Faim, we are launching a completely new experience in France: combining gourmet food at Flunch prices with the fluidity of disruptive technology.”

“By choosing Amazon's Just Walk Out, we wanted to offer our customers a frictionless journey - enter, serve themselves, leave, while remaining true to our mission: making good food accessible to all. This partnership illustrates our ambition to constantly innovate and imagine urban formats adapted to new uses, where speed, simplicity and pleasure go hand in hand."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Checkout-free technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.