I finally had the opportunity to visit an Amazon Fresh store. As most stores are in London, I have not had the opportunity to visit until now. My wife and I were quite excited by the concept. A store that tracks what you pick up using cameras and charges your Amazon account or payment card on exit. Unlike traditional stores, you just exit without going through a till.
The store was very quiet, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it’s a concept that is ahead of its time? We decided to grab a cup of coffee and take a look at the products and produce.
On arrival, you need to swipe your phone to recognise your Amazon account or swipe your card. I had to scan a QR code, and so did my wife. On scanning, my wife was then able to select the payment type. But for some reason, the payment page failed to load for me. I tried a couple of times, but the page just would not load. A gent at the door could not explain why it would not work and let me in as the charging would apply against my wife’s account. The only thing that I can think of is that I have app background refresh switched off. Could that have affected the store log-in requirement? If in a group, only one of you does need to actually swipe in with your card or Amazon account. However, it would have been good if I had been also able to pay for my own purchases.
Looking around the store, some of the fresh products available did look amazing. We self-served to buy a latte and hot chocolate (2 drinks). We also picked up an offer where you could select a pastry with your drink for just a little extra money. The raisin swirl pastry was very fresh and nicely cooked and the coffee was really good.
The store was very clean and well stocked. All items having clear pricing and instead of the printed paper labels that you traditionally see in supermarkets, all prices were displayed on what initially appeared to be the same sizes labels that other shops use but were actually small electronic displays that can be updated via software. I did also like all the promo material and likes the general look of the supermarket.
While I know that the ceiling does have a network of cameras to track purchases, I actually forgot to look. From other reviews, I think it is quite interesting to see but proves that they are likely high enough that you don’t notice unless you are specifically looking.
As advertised, once finished we simply walked out of the exit. Disappointingly, the charging was wrong. I had so wanted the experience to work and prove the technology worked accurately. While it appears we were charged for the purchase, we were charged for four drinks and two pastries, which of course was wrong.
We don’t know the charging was wrong until we left the store about an hour later when my wife checked her account. The process to refund the wrong purchase charging was simple to query via the Amazon app. However, the issue is that we have now been advised we have to wait 3 to 5 days for the refund. Not a big problem, but it could be if a purchase was calculated wrongly for a much higher amount, then leaving you waiting for Amazon to correct their mistake.
I would use Amazon Fresh stores again as I really want the system to work. Maybe it does most of the time but I so wanted it to be a perfect system. So do check your Amazon account/billing if you shop in the store.
Have you experienced such an issue with billing? Or have you had issues with your phoning signing in?
Do comment below and let me know.
