Whole Foods debuts Just Walk Out tech in D.C.

Amazon has brought Just Walk Out technology to its Whole Foods Market grocery banner.

A 21,500-square-foot store opened in Washington, D.C.’s Glover Park neighbourhood last month, and is the first of two Whole Foods Market stores expected to open this year with the cashierless technology the company debuted four years ago at an Amazon Go store in Seattle.

With Amazon's Just Walk Out shopping, customers can choose to skip the register for a faster, more convenient shopping experience. Shoppers scan in at an entry gate using their Amazon or Whole Foods app, shop and scan out at the exit using the same payment method.

Additional highlights of the Glover Park store include a prepared foods section with hot and cold food bars and large assortment of ready-to-eat soups, a specialty department featuring cheesemakers, artisan producers and specialty foods such as chocolate, more than 250 beers and more than 500 wines from 50 local suppliers, and a wellness and beauty section.