Amazon registers British trademark for cashier-free supermarket

Amazon has registered a British trademark for its new cashier-free, real-world supermarket – hinting at a potential launch in the country.

The online retail giant recently announced that they will open their first Amazon Go store on Seattle next year, but the company has yet to say whether or not it will expand the service internationally.

The trademark registration on 5 December is a clear signal that the firm will expand its new service to Britain.

The service will use technology to detect when a product is taken from or returned to its shelf, allowing a customer to pay via the Amazon Go app without queueing or scanning their items.

Customers will be charged for their items shortly after leaving the store, via their Amazon accounts.

Nicia Di Palma, an equity analyst at wealth manager Brewin Dolphin, thinks the UK may be a better market for Amazon Go than the US.

“One of the reasons why Fresh & Easy – Tesco’s business in the US – did not succeed was that they were focusing on self-checkout, whilst the American consumer likes service.” She said earlier this week.

If you missed it, you can catch the promotional video for Amazon Go below: