Amazon has announced that it will be closing eight of its cashierless Go convenience stores due to decreased customer traffic. The stores, which opened in 2018, are located in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City.
The cashierless Go stores allow customers to shop without having to wait in line or interact with a cashier. Customers can simply pick up the items they want and walk out of the store with their purchases automatically charged to their Amazon accounts. The stores also offer ready-made meals for customers who are looking for a quick snack or meal.
However, Amazon has reported that customer visits to the Go stores have declined due to the ongoing pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The company has determined that it is no longer financially viable to keep the stores open, and is now in the process of closing all eight stores.
The closure of the Go stores marks the end of an ambitious experiment by Amazon to expand its presence in the retail sector. While the stores have been praised for their innovative technology, they have also been criticized for their limited selection of items and high prices.
Amazon has not commented on whether or not it plans to open more Go stores in the future. However, the company has stated that it is still committed to its mission of creating innovative retail experiences for customers. Amazon has released a statement expressing gratitude for the customers that have visited the Go stores, and wished them well in their future shopping endeavors.
The closure of the Go stores is yet another sign of the economic challenges that businesses are facing due to the pandemic. With the future of retail uncertain, it remains to be seen what new innovations Amazon will come up with to continue to provide customers with a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.