Hudson has announced the opening of its first store using Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology.
This first location is opening in Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) in the first quarter of 2021. The company has plans to introduce the concept to additional airport locations later in the year.
With “Just Walk Out,” travel retailer Hudson has embarked on the next phase in its digital transformation journey. It will roll out the new technology in select travel convenience stores under the name of Hudson Nonstop.
Hudson says that its selection of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology highlights its ability to adapt to new ways of retailing, while understanding and embracing the need to use technology to redefine travel retail following challenges posed by COVID-19. The concept is said to offer the ultimate in convenience and contactless shopping.
“Today’s traveler is progressively more connected, mobile, and time sensitive – and they have higher expectations for convenience, safety, and speed during their shopping experiences,” said Brian Quinn, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Hudson. “The addition of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology perfectly complements our current digital footprint, providing travelers with yet another quick, secure, and contactless shopping experience that meets their needs.”
Just Walk Out technology allows travelers to enter the Hudson Nonstop store using their credit card, take the products they’re looking for, and then walk out of the store, offering shoppers an innovative walk-through experience. After they leave the store, shoppers are charged for the items they selected and walked out of the store with.
Customers will be able to purchase Grab & Go food and beverage selections, along with other products, including travel convenience essentials, electronics, and personal protective equipment (PPE) under Hudson’s proprietary “Traveler’s Best” line.
The elimination of the checkout line will also allow purchases to be made at the speed and convenience that best fits the shopper’s travel schedule.
Hudson selected Dallas Love Field as the first location for a Hudson Nonstop store due to the airport’s strong connectivity and passenger flow. It is the first store to offer the technology in the Southwest.
Following implementation at Dallas Love Field, Hudson plans to work with Amazon to expand its use of Just Walk Out technology across additional stores in its North American footprint.
