Reports have emerged that online retail behemoth Amazon is planning to open many as six more Amazon Go stores this year.
The news was first revealed by technology website Recode, which said “multiple sources familiar with the company’s plans” have said the new high-tech, cashierless grocery stores are likely to open in Seattle and Los Angeles.
Amazon is reportedly eyeing at least three locations in Seattle, where the first Amazon Go is based and where the company has its global headquarters.
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A fourth location could potentially open at The Grove shopping centre in LA, amid reports that Amazon is in talks with the centre’s owner Rick Caruso.
It is not yet clear where the two other potential locations could be.
The Retail Gazette has contacted Amazon’s UK arm to confirm if one of those two potential Amazon Go stores could open on this side of the pond.
In May last year, a trademark was approved by the UK Intellectual Property Office for Amazon Go’s slogan “No Lines. No Checkout. (No Seriously.)”, hinting that the company was preparing to open a store here sometime soon.
The widely-publicised launch of Amazon Go took place last month, after months of hype and speculation.
The 1800sq ft flagship uses Amazon’s new Just Walk Out Technology, which comprises of computer vision, machine-learning algorithms, cameras and sensors to track what shoppers take from the shelves, and automatically bills them as they exit the store.
The store cemented Amazon’s evolution into a “clicks and bricks” retailer and adds to its £10.7 billion takeover of Whole Foods and its 470 stores worldwide last year.
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