Microsoft is openly challenging Amazon in the in-store technology stakes, looking to roll out a raft of technologies to rival Amazon Go’s cashier-less checkout technology.
According to reports from Reuters, Microsoft is working on systems that track what shoppers add to their carts – and it has shown sample technology to retailers from around the world. It is also believed to be in talks with Walmart about a potential collaboration.
Microsoft already supplies a great deal of more conventional retail tech to retailers and brands globally and is second behind Amazon in the provision of cloud services to large retailers.
The move into offering this in-store tech makes sense, as it has deep connections with retailers and the development teams to back it up. It is also a bold play, as until now the Redwood-based software giant hasn’t done much that is customer-facing in retail.
Amazon Go has gained a hegemony over check-out free shopping with its Go Store in Seattle piloting the offering. It is now opening a raft of further stores across the US, with Chicago and San Francisco opening their doors this Summer.
Other retailers including Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Budgens in the UK are all trialling their own scan and go technologies.
However, not all consumers are convinced. A recent Paysafe global study revealed that 59% of UK consumers consider check-out free shopping ‘too risky’, while 13% can see the benefits but have security concerns.
