Cashierless Starbucks, Say What?

By: Maree Drayling

A new Starbucks store that has partnered with Amazon has opened up on 59th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues. It has an assortment of snacks, salads, and sandwiches. But this isn’t a normal starbucks… it’s cashierless.

Here's how it works: If you want your drink immediately, order through the app, and it will be there when you walk in. If you would like to place your order in-person, use the code on the Amazon app, then, scan your palm if you are registered with the Amazon Go program. If not, insert your credit card and it will be automatically placed in your shopping cart. Once you put them back, they’ll be removed. When you walk out, you get charged through your account.

The Cashierless Starbucks opens at 6 a.m. on the daily, but closes at 9 p.m., which is later than most stores. Dilip Kumar, president of physical retail and technology at Amazon, says “It’s like a giant pantry attached to your house. You can pop in anytime you want, grab as many items as you want, and just walk out.” This store is great for people who are late to work, or in a rush to get somewhere, but also can stay a while.”

There may or may not may not be more partnerships in the future as Starbucks and Amazon have chosen not to disclose the future of the problem. All in all, the introverts have won this battle.