Amazon's UK Fresh Stores Close as UC San Diego Expands Checkout-Free Tech
The retail landscape is evolving, with checkout-free stores taking centre stage. The 2025 Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH) Innovation Awards will honour global tech advancements in this fast-paced, omnichannel world. Meanwhile, UC San Diego has expanded its use of Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, launching a fifth market at Ridge Walk North. However, Amazon's UK-based Amazon Fresh stores are set to close, marking a shift in the e-commerce giant's retail strategy.
UC San Diego's latest market, covering 2,400 student beds, is the fifth on-campus location to use Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. This follows the university's two-year consultation process involving various student groups, the Privacy Office, and the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The technology aims to save time for students, faculty, and staff by eliminating checkout lines, as seen in the Goody's Marketplace location.
Amazon's original UK expansion plans for Amazon Fresh stores, which also utilised Just Walk Out technology, have been scaled back. The company initially targeted over 200 locations by the end of 2025 but has struggled to gain traction in the competitive grocery retail space. Retail analyst Natalie Berg attributes this to a lack of clear identity and purpose for shoppers to choose Amazon over competitors. Amazon is now closing its 19 UK Amazon Fresh stores, with plans to convert five into Whole Foods Market locations.
The 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, focusing on checkout-free stores, will follow the format of the 2024 event. This included a drinks reception, three-course meal, and awards ceremony hosted by comedian Lucy Porter. The nominees for the 2025 awards in the checkout-free store solutions category remain unknown.
UC San Diego's continued adoption of Amazon's Just Walk Out technology showcases the convenience and efficiency of checkout-free stores. Meanwhile, Amazon's UK store closures signal a shift in strategy, with the company focusing on other retail formats. The 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards will recognise the best in checkout-free store solutions, highlighting the innovations driving the future of retail.
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