Amazon Cranks Up Its Retail Tech Game with RFID Integration in Just Walk Out
Amazon Introduces RFID Technology for Cashierless Apparel Shopping via App
Amazon's retail tech game is heating up with the integration of radio-frequency identification (RFID) into its popular Just Walk Out (JWO) technology. Announced on Tuesday, the company teamed up with Avery Dennison, a leading RFID sensor and digital identification tech provider, to roll out the new feature.
With this addition, shoppers can now simply walk out of stores with their chosen items - each tagged with a unique RFID tag - and pay as they exit through a gate using either their debit or credit cards or by scanning their hand at an Amazon One terminal. This feature, initially tested at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, is already in action at Lumen Field, home to the National Football League's Seattle Seahawks.
Todd Humphrey, senior vice president of digital innovation and fan experience for the NHL's Seattle Kraken, had nothing but praises, "At Climate Pledge Arena, we're continuously looking to innovate and improve the in-arena experience for our fans. Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology with RFID allows for a fast and easy way for our fans to grab their favorite Kraken gear and get back to the game - and our fans loved the experience."
This tech enhancement allows customers to shop for a wider variety of items, including apparel, fan gear, shoes, and soft goods. Amazon's JWO technology is already accessible in over 70 Amazon stores and 85 third-party retailers.
While Amazon has been focusing on brick-and-mortar expansion, it recently announced plans to shut down its 4-Star, Books, and Pop-Up stores. Instead, the company intends to concentrate on Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, Amazon Go, and Amazon Style stores, as well as the Just Walk Out technology.
The recent addition of RFID technology to Just Walk Out is not limited to Amazon; other organizations and businesses have been adopting this technology, including Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and travel retailer Hudson. Amazon has also integrated the grab-and-go system into its Fresh grocery store concept and into a Whole Foods Market in Washington, D.C.
Many retailers are following suit, employing identification tools to track inventory and minimize shrink. Uniqlo is a prime example, utilizing RFID tools for its self-checkout services and supply chain management as it expands globally.
In essence, Amazon's RFID-integrated Just Walk Out system serves as a catalyst for broader retailer adoption of RFID plus AI technologies, driving innovation in inventory control, shrink reduction, and creating faster, more convenient, and loss-resistant shopping experiences.
- Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, now enhanced with RFID, allows customers to simply walk out of stores with their purchased items, paying via debit/credit cards or Amazon One.
- The technology, initially tested at the Climate Pledge Arena, is already in use at Lumen Field, home to the Seattle Seahawks.
- Amazon plans to focus on expanding Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, Amazon Go, and Amazon Style stores, as well as the Just Walk Out technology.
- Other organizations and businesses, such as Marymount University and travel retailer Hudson, have also adopted the RFID technology.
- Uniqlo, a global retailer, uses RFID tools for self-checkout services and supply chain management.
- With the adoption of RFID and AI technologies, retailers can enhance inventory control, shrink reduction, and create faster, more convenient, and loss-resistant shopping experiences.
