This Innovative Grocery Chain Is Opening Two New Stores Soon

Known for its convenient online ordering system, Amazon is bringing grocery stores to two new locations in the United States.

Currently, there are 27 Amazon Fresh markets throughout California, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C.

That number will move to almost 30 with the addition of two stores: one in New Jersey and another in California. Amazon Fresh has also begun hiring for an upcoming store in Oceanside, New York—which would be the brand's first location in the Empire State.

Known as a grocery delivery service for its Prime customers, Amazon Fresh stores feature "dash carts." These are carts that automatically scan items so that customers don't have to wait in a checkout line. Instead, they're charged once they leave the store.

According to Jeff Helbling, vice president of Amazon Fresh stores, the customer response to the stores has been fantastic.

"Our efforts to evolve our grocery experience into a seamless, omnichannel offering have been well-received by shoppers and the industry," Helbling told Supermarket News. "We have exciting plans for Amazon Fresh stores this year and in the future."

Stores have also introduced a new technology to the grocery market: a palm-enabled payment system called Amazon One. It's currently being piloted at Whole Foods stores near Austin, Texas.

Amazon One uses a custom built algorithm and hardware to scan a person's palm, which acts as a signature, to provide a contactless means of checking out. Customers can sign up for the service at a kiosk or device in participating stores. According to Amazon, enrollment takes less than a minute.

Shoppers can insert their credit card while holding their palm over a device, which prompts them to pair the card with their palm signature.

"Amazon One is all about making everyday activities, like paying at a store, easier and more convenient for customers, Thi Luu, director of product management for Amazon physical retail technology, told Supermarket News. "By signing up for Amazon One with a credit or debit card, customers have the option to simply pay with their palm and get through check out faster."

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