The new era of shopping – Tips for easier shopping.

No, I will not preach about online shopping today. Even thought I personally try and keep that to a minimum, I understand the appeal of convenience. Do you shop online? Are there specific things you buy/ avoid buying online? Why?

This post is going to be about an upgrade of an in-person shopping experience. Have you ever thought of picking up an item off the shelf, and then walking out without stopping at the cash register? I have, too. Wait, it is not what you think it is. Or, is it? I guess you will have to read on to find out.

Since the Holiday season is getting closer and closer, many of you might be thinking of Christmas/ Hanukkah shopping for your loved ones, or Black Friday frenzy to spoil yourself.

Last year I wrote a post about the shopping craze. “Shop till you drop” is available for free, if you care to have a read.

This year, I thought that I would give you some pointers on how to complete your shopping in a hassle-free way. First of all, do not shop. Save your hard earned money. Simple enough. *drops mic*

But in all seriousness, it seems like certain stores are listening to their customers, and are trying to make the shopping experience less stressful and less time consuming. Namely Amazon and Walmart.

Back in September, in Chicago, Amazon opened their first store (outside of Seattle) without cash registers. The store is appropriately called “Amazon Go”, because you literally grab a few items and “go”, without needing to stop at the register to pay for what they bought. When I first read about it, I did not know what to think. Truth is, I’m still not sure I would ever go in and shop at such a store. The way it works is that a customer “checks in” with an app, to let the store know that they are ready to shop. Then, there are cameras installed that watch your every move. As you shop, the cameras and sensors place the items you place in your cart in a virtual cart. Once you leave the store, your account is automatically charged for all the items you bought.

It makes me wonder what happens when someone forgets to “check in” on the appropriate app. Or if their bank account is in the red. But maybe I should just stop and smell the roses, instead of thinking of potential drawbacks.

The second move comes from Walmart, which claims to have your best interest in mind during the Holiday shopping season. Their approach is a little bit different, and it seems that they are actually needing more workers (compared to Amazon’s store with little no no staff). This retail giant is putting more “checkouts” in the busier aisle of their stores. You will be able to pay for your item right there and then. A receipt will be given to you, and then you can go on your merry way out (if you are there for just one item), or onto another aisle (if you need more items). It sounds like you might have to checkout multiple times (if you buy multiple things), but that does not have to be the case if you plan strategically. And, I think it will curb the time of you waiting in line. I know my head starts spinning when I see those horrendously long lines at the store. Sometimes I leave my items and go. This should avoid such reactions.

Have you ever had a chance to have such a shopping experience?

What do you think of such time saving solutions?

Are you someone who actually likes going through the check out? 

Stay golden,

***

Did you enjoy reading this post? Hit LIKE.
Have some thoughts on the topic? Share in the COMMENTS.
Do you regularly enjoy my blog? Be sure to FOLLOW.
Are my posts getting lost in your busy Reader? Try SUBSCRIBING.