2022
Just a few days ago during my everyday browsing, an advertisement popped up on my phone— that an Amazon Fresh store has inaugurated in my neighborhood.
Newly inaugurated Amazon Fresh Store as pictured on a rainy day.
I visited the store on a rainy day for an extraordinarily high-tech experience of being assisted by a Cart and an AI device.
Entrance- Car parked, umbrellas opened, and a brisk walk to the newly decorated and designed Amazon store. Next, the umbrellas closed as we brushed off the access water off our jackets.
Two gentlewomen approached & offered us a free sample of sparkling water along with complimentary goodies. Have a look:
Complimentary fridge magnets given to us at the Amazon Fresh Store.
Once we settled, we noticed a long queue for the Dash Cart. It appeared like everyone wanted a wholesome experience of the Amazon Fresh store. But we moved on without the Dash Cart.
Amazon Fresh Store decorated with colorful balloons.
A huge welcoming sign inside the store.
Dash Cart- For those who are unaware of the Dash Cart like I once was, It's basically a smart cart with a screen to access your Amazon account and check out items without having to line up at the checkout counter. You'll receive exclusive benefits like two-hour delivery & one-hour pick up if you're a Prime Member.
Exclusive benefits for Prime Members at Amazon Fresh Store.
You're now going to read two in-store scenarios when you use a dash cart vs when you don't.
Scenario 1: Using a Dash Cart
- Get the exclusive Dash Cart if available. (Even if you have to wait in line)
- Log in to your Amazon account and swipe it to the screen.
- As you shop around the store, fill up your cart, all the items will automatically be tallied up.
- Not just that, if you love making a grocery list you can access that list using your Dash cart.
- Fill up your grocery bags, and voila! You are good to go. (Congratulations! You just well saved yourself a considerable amount of time.)
That being said, you get to see the Alexa screens installed at every nook and corner of the store, assisting every time you have trouble finding an item. It is funny how one can simply approach Alexa station and ask her- ”where a particular item is” in the entire store!
Using regular cart at Amazon Fresh Store.
Scenario 2: Using a regular cart- Now imagine yourself in another scenario using a regular cart like I did (just to avoid the long queue).
- Going to the check-out counter, trailing through aisle after aisle.
- Having to wait in a long queue for the turn.
- Finally, at the checkout counter, staring at your phone while the assistant registers every single item from your cart.
What's funny though is that the first time I visited the store, I did go through all of it because I couldn't get the Dash cart. But next time, I’m definitely getting the dash cart, the experience to which would be added to part two of my experience at the Amazon Fresh Store.
More noticeable things inside the store-
- Upon entrance, my kiddo was given a set of crayons & an activity booklet for the uninterrupted shopping experience.
- If you accidentally forget your mask, just ask the associates before you enter the store, you'll be given a complimentary mask.
- An entire range of Amazon gadgets (Alexa, Kindle, Echo/Echo-dot) is displayed at the store.
- Social distancing followed all around the store with these signs.
- Fresh kitchen is highly recommended both in terms of great price and flavors.
- Some items in the store are relatively cheaper mostly fresh produce. Also, we were given some coupons for next in-store-visit.
The AI/Tech adventure at Amazon Fresh store does take the grocery shopping experience up a notch. You can read my review for the same here!
PS- if ever you’re gonna visit the Fresh store, don't be lazy like me & get the amazing Dash Cart.
Have you ever been to an Amazon store? What was your experience like?
