Whole Foods Opens First 'Just Walk Out' Store in D.C., Allowing Customers to Skip Register

On Tuesday, Whole Foods opened its first store that allows customers to skip the register entirely. The store, located in Washington, D.C., uses Amazon.com's "Just Walk Out" technology. (Whole Foods is owned by Amazon.) Customers scan their Whole Foods app, credit card or Amazon app when they enter; sensors and cameras detect what items the customer places in their shopping cart; and then customers scan the same payment method when they exit. A self-checkout option is also available. Customers are expected to bag their own items as they shop. Another Whole Foods' store is set to open with the same "Just Walk Out" technology in Sherman Oaks, California later this year.

Total Retail's Take: This is the latest in Amazon's venture into brick-and-mortar retail after conquering the world of e-commerce. Amazon bought the Austin-based Whole Foods in 2017, and has been opening small Amazon Go grocery and convenience stores ever since, rolling out the "Just Walk Out" technology in those as well. It also licenses the technology to third-party retailers, further cementing its presence in the world of brick-and-mortar and retail technology.