Microsoft and Amazon Want Cashier Free Stores

Cashier Free Stores On The Rise Following suite with Amazon, Microsoft has been developing technology that would remove the need for a cash register when shopping in a store....

Cashier Free Stores On The Rise

Following suite with Amazon, Microsoft has been developing technology that would remove the need for a cash register when shopping in a store. In January of this year, Amazon opened its first grocery store without cashiers, instead using advanced technology that senses the items selected by customers and automatically charging their account when they leave the store.

Now, Microsoft is planning on rolling out their version of this technology, and potentially partnering with Wal-Mart. While this could mean huge bottom line savings for these companies, and potentially more convenience for consumers, it also means that cashier jobs at these stores could be a thing of the past.

With every new technology, there is a ripple effect in regards to who and what it affects, and this could mean big changes in the consumer industries. Amazon already plans on opening more of its cash register free groceries, and with their acquisition of Whole Foods, the industry could be in for a sweeping change. And, as Microsoft plans to unveil its version of this technology, the prospective partnership with Wal-Mart and its 5,000 plus stores could mean that this is a trend for more than just grocery stores.

While the idea of consumer convenience is tantalizing, there are plenty of drawbacks in regards to the new technology. With cashiers a thing of the past, and the growing disconnect between human interaction and technology, some fear this could have more negative consequences than predicted. And, due to the nature of this form of shopping, customers are also predicted to spend more at these stores than traditional grocery stores because they do not see their total price until leaving the store.

Still, it seems that Microsoft will be going forward with its plans, and not much can stand in the way of technological developments that work well. Only time will tell if this will be the new norm for shopping.