WHSmith has opened its first checkout-free store in LaGuardia Airport in New York.
The travel retailer has opened its latest store, featuring Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, in the new western concourse of the airport.
The store is WHSmith’s first in North America under its eponymous fascia. It has previously operated InMotion stores and those in conjunction with Marshall Retail Group.
It sells a variety of to-go snacks, drinks and travel essentials, which customers can purchase by tapping their card upon entry, picking up their items and leaving the store without queuing to pay.
Marshall Retail Group chief executive Toby Keir said: “Opening the first North American WHSmith using Amazon’s groundbreaking Just Walk Out technology at LaGuardia Terminal B is truly an honour.
“As a group, we’re always striving to provide the best retail experience for our customers and this new technology allows travellers to shop quickly and with ease during their journey.
“It’s a hugely exciting time for our business and we look forward to strengthening the retail provision in airports across the US by opening more stores under our WHSmith, Marshall Retail Group and InMotion brands.”
Amazon vice president of physical retail and technology Dilip Kumar added: “Airport terminals can be very busy places, so we’re excited WHSmith has equipped their LaGuardia airport store with our Just Walk Out technology.
“Amazon’s Just Walk Out Shopping experience is designed to be convenient and effortless, so the new WHSmith store will be ideal for travellers who are in a hurry to pick up refreshments, reading materials, or gifts before or after their flights.”
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