San Francisco Board of Supervisors passes ban on cashless retail

by David Jones — Editor, Networld Media Group

San Francisco became the latest municipality to ban cashless retail as vulnerable populations demand equal access to shopping and dining service.

Amazon Go goes with cash in New York City

May 9, 2019

The first Amazon Go store in New York City opened for business this week and is taking cash as well as offering a cashierless checkout customer experience.

Amazon Go stores to start taking cash

April 11, 2019

Amazon's Go stores, which let shoppers buy without a cashier checkout experience, will reportedly begin accepting cash.

Looking to win in 'everywhere commerce'? Watch out for the 'cones'

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

To succeed in "everywhere commerce," brands need to first provide industry-standard technology, with easy and effective local marketing to provide a consistent…

Autonomous stores on the way, but is Amazon Go on first?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

In many people's eyes, one of the most disruptive retail developments has been the late 2016 launch of Amazon Go, but some observers have questioned its…

Amazon Go competitors make case for eliminating cashiers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The NRF Big Show in New York City debuted a host of cashierless checkout technologies hoping to capitalize on the interest generated by Amazon Go.

Amazon exec: Voice assistant makes retail experience personal, natural, authentic

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Voice commerce continues to grow, offering retailers new ways to engage the consumer. But Patrick Gauthier, vice president of Amazon Pay, has more questions…

Mall of America launches shopping hologram concierge for holiday season

December 13, 2018

Vntana, a mixed reality company, has teamed with Mall of America to launch its first-ever shopping hologram concierge to bring consumers a personalized…

Amazon cashierless store may take flight in airports

December 10, 2018

The Amazon Go cashierless store concept may be moving into airports as the powerhouse omnichannel retailer is reportedly evaluating airport location options.

Amazon tests automated checkout technology in larger stores

December 3, 2018

Amazon is testing its automated checkout technology for larger stores in Seattle, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. The company has used the…

Amazon India to offer VR kiosks to promote Prime Day merchandise

July 11, 2018

Amazon India will offer virtual reality kiosks in 10 locations to promote Prime Day next week, according to Venture Beat.

Amazon Cash allows customers to add funds at Coinstar kiosks

May 15, 2018

Amazon Cash users can now add cash to their account balance at selected Coinstar kiosks. There are no fees for adding cash, Coinstar said on its website. The…

Personalization and physical-digital integration dominate retail innovation

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Recognizing the need for both physical stores and e-commerce, retailers seek solutions — including self-serve kiosks — to deliver more interactive customer…

Amazon happy with customer response to cashierless store, but guarded about future plans

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While encouraged by customer response, Amazon isn't ready to announce much about plans for its innovative cashierless store concept. The company is making sure…

Amazon Go cashlierless store opens to Seattle consumers

January 22, 2018

Amazon is opening its cashierless Amazon Go store to consumers in Seattle today, following a 14-month trial with company employees, according to The Seattle…

Is keeping up with consumer acceptance of automation worth the challenges it brings?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

A session on the need to adopt automation in retail drew an overflow audience during the CES show in Las Vegas.

Has automated retailing’s time finally arrived in the US?

There are 10 new automated retailing systems that I have counted in the last 12 months from the U.S., Europe and Asia, including Bodega. The concept, despite…

‘Bodega Mania’ fails to make the case for technology

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Hopefully, Bodega's social media firestorm will help educate the automated retailing industry and the technology community about the need to be direct with the…

Amazon's Whole Foods Market acquisition points to a changing role for physical stores; millennials hold the key

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods Market is yet another sign – the biggest to date – that retail is being redefined by multiple shopping channels.

Amazon adds grocery pickup kiosks in Seattle

May 30, 2017

Amazon.com Inc. has opened two grocery pickup kiosks in Seattle in an effort to compete against "click and collect" shopping options from supermarket…