Amazon Go Cashierless Stores May Expand Into Big US Airports

Amazon may be eyeing airports in the US as the next destinations for its cashierless stores. Called Amazon Go, these stores feature technology that allows customers to grab the items they want and then leave, eliminating the need to stand in line and manually pay. A new leak alleges Amazon has been in talk with big US airports over possibly installing some Go destinations for travelers.

Details of the alleged plan comes from sources speaking to Reuters, as well as public records. The news organization made multiple public records requests to airport operators, discovering talk surrounding the idea of bringing Amazon Go stores to US airports. Two airports are named: San Jose International Airport and Los Angeles International.

Two of the talks — or at least pursuit of talks — reportedly took place this past June. Both airports have confirmed that some type of correspondence over the potential launch took place, but haven't heard further from Amazon. Even if Amazon does pursue an airport launch, it would have to outbid competing companies to become a concessionaire.

A source spoke to Reuters claiming that Amazon is working on a "strategy" to deploy Amazon Go stores in airports, doing so potentially as a way to increase brand awareness versus simply increasing sales. A large number of people pass through airports who may otherwise never visit a city with an Amazon Go store, exposing them to the unique shop technology.

It's unclear how many airports Amazon may be targeting, nor whether it is eyeing any destinations outside of the US. The company has launched a handful of its cashierless stores in the US, including in Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco. A leak earlier this week alleged that Amazon is testing its cashierless technology in a large facility to potentially pave the way for large checkout-free grocery stores.

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