Amazon halts Just Walk Out tech powered checkout-free stores push — Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Amazon’s first checkout-free store in the UK opened in March last year, in Ealing, west London. Since then, it has opened another 18 stores, predominantly in the capital.

A spokesperson told RTIH: “I can confirm that we will continue to open Amazon Fresh stores and look forward to opening more in the future.”

Big name appointments

Last week, we reported that Claire Peters had been appointed Vice President, Worldwide Amazon Fresh, and Peter Bowrey Vice President, Amazon Fresh Store Operations.

Peters joins from Woolworths Supermarkets where she served as Managing Director.

Her CV also includes a stint as Chief Operating Officer at Tesco Stores.

Bowrey, meanwhile, worked for Tesco for over 30 years across various functions and internationally.

Most recently, he was Retail Director at Boots.

In a LinkedIn post, Tony Hoggett, SVP Worldwide Physical Stores & Speciality Fulfilment, Amazon, said: “I’m excited to announce Claire and Peter are joining our growing Amazon Physical Stores leadership team.”

“Both Claire and Pete will join Amazon in early 2023, bringing decades of grocery, international and multi-channel retail experience.”

He added: “I’m inspired by the Amazon Physical Stores and Speciality Fulfilment leadership team we have in place, and we’re all looking forward to growing the business together with our two new members.”