Amazon Opens First-Ever Fresh Grocery Store
Amazon opened its first-ever Fresh grocery store on Aug. 27 in Woodland Hills, Calif. Although some controversy has arisen over whether or not it’s the best time to open a physical store amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon has ensured that “nothing is more important than the health and safety of our employees and customers.”
Fresh safety measures imitate those implemented at Whole Foods, such as:
Requiring daily temperature checks for all employees
Requiring face masks for those entering the store
Offering free disposable masks at the door, if needed
Operating the store at half capacity
The multinational tech company released new Alexa features and a smart shopping cart called Amazon Dash Cart, which allows customers to skip the line at checkout to guarantee efficiency and immediacy for shoppers in-store.
Learn what some of our Tribe members think about Amazon’s new grocery store:
Have you been shopping at grocery stores or ordering food online during the pandemic?
@afullliving: We do most of our shopping at grocery stores, but we do occasionally get Imperfect Foods delivered to supplement here and there, as well as order from specialty companies for certain products.
@cookinwithmima: I shop in-store because I like to choose my produce for my food photography. I do order food online too, like pizza, and pick it up. I also like getting drive-thru fast food.
@foodandsachi: Grocery shopping more, as well as take-out on apps.
@foodmymuse: I have done a little of both, but mainly in-store.
@healthyfitnessmeals: Grocery store!
What are your thoughts on Amazon opening a physical store during COVID-19, when most people are becoming increasingly reliant on food-delivery services?
@afullliving: We're sure people will shop there, but it's kind of wild to think about a company doing so well that they are able to open new stores during such a challenging time.
@cookinwithmima: I think it will be good. Many people are still shopping in-store. The grocery stores in Texas are always packed. I think the elderly and people with health conditions are mainly the ones relying on food delivery services instead.
@foodandsachi: I actually buy my food at the grocery store and cook at home now more than ever, so I don’t find it a bad idea.
@foodmymuse: I prefer in-person shopping because I like to select my own produce and like to discover new products while shopping. I also don't like how the substitution system works with delivery.
@healthyfitnessmeals: I think it’s a great idea.
Would you personally feel comfortable shopping in-store at Fresh during this unprecedented time?
@afullliving: Sure, we imagine it's probably pretty safe to shop at a store like this, as long as there are lots of cleaning and safety measures put in place. We wonder how mask mandates and social distancing guidelines would be enforced in this setting.
@cookinwithmima: Yes.
@foodandsachi: Yes, I do not mind it because I take precaution when I shop at stores and make sure I wear gloves while shopping!
@foodmymuse: Yes, I would be. I’m being very careful and I'm usually in and out fairly quick.
@healthyfitnessmeals: I am comfortable shopping with a mask on and keeping my distance from others.
What do you think about Amazon’s new high-tech Dash Cart?
@afullliving: The technology is impressive, definitely. There might be a bit of a learning curve for customers, but the technology itself is pretty seamless. However, we do worry a bit about this model taking away human jobs. Overall, it seems like a cool idea. It will certainly streamline the in-store shopping process for customers once they get the hang of it.
@cookinwithmima: I personally use Amazon a lot. Every time I think of buying something, I go straight to Amazon. I have not personally used the new Dash Cart yet, but I think it will be great because it will make the shopping experience quicker.
@foodandsachi: I think it’s a smart idea and will provide efficiency!
@foodmymuse: I haven't looked into it enough to really know.
@healthyfitnessmeals: I love the idea so much. I think it would be so helpful. I spend so much time looking for items sometimes at bigger stores, and oftentimes I need to hunt someone down so I can ask about where a specific item is. It will for sure be efficient.
Do you think Amazon Dash Cart will make it easier for shoppers to follow COVID-19 safety measures?
@afullliving: To be honest, we're not sure because sometimes at the grocery store we see people taking their mask off, and an employee has to ask them to put it back on. We're not sure how this would work with Amazon Dash Cart. How are safety measures enforced? That's the big question.
@cookinwithmima: Yes, it will make in-store shopping quicker.
@foodandsachi: I believe so because not only will it reduce human interaction and exposure to others, but it will also prevent people from spreading their touch/putting their hands everywhere.
@foodmymuse: I'm not sure yet.
@healthyfitnessmeals: Absolutely. Less walking around looking for your items. Less physical contact (sadly not everyone keeps their 6 ft. distance though). I would definitely love using the Dash Cart.