Why Amazon’s Own Just Walk Out Technology is Disappearing from Its Stores – Insights from CampusIDNews

Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology has seen success in places like campus stores and stadiums. However, it hasn’t thrived in Amazon’s own retail locations.

Simply put, Just Walk Out lets shoppers enter a store, grab what they need, and leave—all without a checkout line. The system uses cameras, sensors, and smart software to keep track of the items in real time.

Here’s how it works: When customers arrive, they scan a payment method—like a credit card or app. As they shop, the overhead cameras and special shelves monitor their selections. Once they walk out, the system charges their card and sends a digital receipt.

Initially launched in stores like Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh, this technology eventually found its way into non-Amazon spaces like airports and college campuses.

It’s important to remember that the struggles of Amazon Fresh or Amazon Go do not reflect the potential of this technology. Poor performance in one setting does not mean the technology itself is a failure.

In Spring 2024, Amazon decided to remove Just Walk Out from its Amazon Fresh stores. Out of 44 locations, 27 had been using the system, but they opted for smart shopping carts instead, allowing customers to scan items as they shop.

Despite this shift, Just Walk Out remains in smaller Amazon Go stores. Yet, the Go concept hasn’t expanded as expected. When it started in 2018, Amazon aimed for 3,000 locations, but as of now, only 15 are operational after recent closures.

Reports suggest several reasons for this: Some argue Amazon struggles to bring its online success to physical stores, while others believe shoppers prefer traditional checkouts, and some simply find the technology unreliable.

Continued Success in Higher Education and Stadiums

While Just Walk Out faces challenges in Amazon’s stores, its popularity is growing in other sectors, especially in stadiums and colleges.

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders have added new Just Walk Out locations. Presently, over 80 stadiums now offer this technology for quick, self-service concessions.

In September 2024, Amazon announced plans to add Just Walk Out to 10 more college campuses, boosting the total to over 30. Some of these campuses include:

• Emory University
• University of Maine
• Loyola University Maryland
• Endicott University
• Lindenwood University
• Ursinus College
• Texas Christian University
• University of Virginia
• Bowling Green State University
• California State University Long Beach
• Canberra Institute of Technology
• Georgia Southern University
• Lafayette College
• Lesley University
• Marymount University
• North Park University
• Montclair State University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Sussex University
• The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of California San Diego
• University of Dayton
• University of Miami
• University of Pittsburgh

In higher education, it’s essential to separate the performance of a store from the technology itself. A solution might work great in one place but fail in another. Campuses should assess their autonomous shopping options based on results and customer feedback. If it works, that’s fantastic. If not, they can explore alternatives.