Amazon could open over 2,000 grocery stores in massive retail push

In a plan that could up-end both conventional grocery chains and app-based services like Instacart, Amazon is hoping to open more than 2,000 self-branded grocery stores, according to a report.

Prospects are dependent on the success of test locations, sources informed The Wall Street Journal. On Tuesday Amazon revealed "Amazon Go," its first-ever grocery store, which is currently open only to Amazon workers but will reach the public in early 2017. Shoppers have to check in with a special app, but can then simply pick up whatever they want and leave, with the bill appearing on their Amazon account. Various sensor and AI technologies are used to determine what a customer is taking off of shelves.

Still in the works, the sources said, are two other store formats. Whereas Go is closer to the size of a convenience store, in November Amazon's technology team reportedly approved a proposal to open much larger, multifunction stores with curbside pickup options. With the greenlight, planning and hiring can get underway.

Two drive-through prototype stores, without any in-person browsing, are meanwhile expected to open in Seattle within the next few weeks.

Amazon is already a dominant force in selling products like books and electronics, but it has made little headway into groceries, which are delivered via AmazonFresh or Prime Now. The extra cost and wait times can make those options impractical even where they're available, but physical outlets might solve both problems.

45 Comments

macxpress 5910 comments · 16 Years

About 7 years ago

I'll stick with Wegmans thank you very much!

Templeton 84 comments · 8 Years

Would u like wegman's without lines?

Donvermo 61 comments · 8 Years

sog35 said:

This is good for competition.

Hope other stores realize that waiting in line is stupid and the worst part about grocery shopping

It is actually quite the opposite, smaller chains will not be able to invest this heavily into these technologies short term and only larger companies will survive. This will drive down prices in the short term but can possibly have adverse effects in the future.

SpamSandwich 32917 comments · 19 Years

This really has absolutely nothing to do with Apple, but it's a fascinating look at how Amazon is set to disrupt retail and the physical shopping experience.

Imagine an Amazon competitor to IKEA or them breaking into a completely automated fast food drive thru concept.

Every retail business better get their act together if they want to survive this. And those morons pushing for a $15/hr minimum wage? This is the future. No or massively reduced minimum wage service sector employees.

Templeton said:

Would u like wegman's without lines?

I never have to wait in line a long time anyways. Its not about waiting in line...its the shopping experience and knowing I can get fresh, locally farmed products. There's more to a grocery store than the checkout process which isn't bad at all IMO.