SimplyFresh has opened its second store using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, at an electric forecourt site in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
The ‘LittleFresh’ branded store – its smaller format that focuses on food to go – opened last week in partnership with energy company Gridserve, which owns and operates it.
Customers can “shop seamlessly while their vehicles charge” by tapping their contactless payment card or smartphone wallet upon entry.
Using AI, the technology detects what shoppers take from store shelves and creates a virtual shopping cart.
When the customer finishes shopping, they can leave the store without waiting in line and their choice of payment method will be charged for the items, with receipts sent digitally.
Alongside a concise range of sandwiches, salads, ready meals and a small range of groceries, complemented with Co-op own-label products, customers can also enjoy a variety of refreshments from Costa Coffee in the lounge area while they wait for their cars to charge.
The forecourt hosts 30 EV charging bays overall, which are supplied by 100% net zero energy. They include 24 high-powered bays that can add up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. There are also four Tesla Superchargers available.
The new Stevenage site adds to Gridserve’s 190-plus locations.
“SimplyFresh has always been at the cutting edge of convenience retail, and our second collaboration with Amazon and Gridserve solidifies this commitment,” said SimplyFresh MD Kash Khera.
“LittleFresh, powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, is designed to provide an effortless and quick shopping experience that perfectly complements the state-of-the-art EV charging facilities at the Stevenage electric forecourt.
“With Stevenage, we’re excited to lead the evolution of convenience shopping, making it faster and more intuitive than ever. This is more than a store; it’s a glimpse into the future of retail.”
Gridserve chief product officer Rebecca Trebble said: “At the Stevenage electric forecourt, we aim to deliver the best service, not just with charging but the whole experience.
“LittleFresh powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology delivers a seamless retail experience which has been popular at our London Gatwick electric forecourt. Along with our Costa Coffee and state-of-the-art chargers, the Stevenage electric forecourt is a must-visit location for all drivers.”
SimplyFresh said more Amazon Just Walk Out sites were in the pipeline. The symbol group opened its first site powered by the tech in November last year, also in partnership with Gridserve.
SimplyFresh also recently signed a new long-term deal with Bestway Retail, having worked with Bestway-owned Costcutter for the past 14 years, which enables it to continue accessing the Co-op’s own-label range through Bestway’s extended supply deal with Nisa for Costcutter.
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