Travel retail company Hudson has announced the next phase in its digital transformation journey with an agreement to use Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology in select travel convenience stores.
Hudson Nonstop, the first store to implement the technology, will open in the first quarter of 2021 at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), with additional roll-outs planned for 2021.
The Just Walk Out technology allows travellers to quickly 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 travel convenience essentials, electronics and personal protective equipment under Hudson’s Traveler’s Best line.
The addition of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology aims to allow Hudson team members to spend more time focused on enhancing the shopping experience for customers. The elimination of checkout-line friction for shoppers is also expected to appeal to both the time-sensitive traveller and the deal-seeker alike, as purchases can be made at the speed and convenience that best fits their travel schedule.
Hudson EVP and Chief Operating Officer Brian Quinn commented: “Today’s traveller is progressively more connected, mobile, and time sensitive – and they have higher expectations for convenience, safety, and speed during their shopping experiences.
“The addition of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology perfectly complements our current digital footprint, providing travellers with yet another quick, secure, and contactless shopping experience that meets their needs.”
Cameron Janes, Vice President, Physical Retail at Amazon, added: “While people are already accustomed to getting what they need on the go at a Hudson store, the addition of Just Walk Out technology will help busy travelers at Dallas Love Field Airport avoid waiting in line to check out so they can grab what they need and make their flight faster.
“We hope customers enjoy how much more convenient this makes shopping at the airport and look forward to introducing our technology to additional Hudson locations.”
Dallas Love Field is set to become the first store with the technology in the Southwest, having been selected to highlight its “strong” connectivity and passenger flow.
Hudson plans to work with Amazon to expand its use of Just Walk Out technology across additional stores in its North American footprint.
