As a technology-centric university, Stevens has found ways to incorporate innovative technologies into various aspects of the student experience, with the latest addition being the “Just Walk Out” technology provided by Amazon. The installment of this technology is a critical component of the new Gateway Cafe located in the Gateway North building. With the official opening of the new and updated Gateway Cafe, The Stute had the opportunity to interview Madison Goslin, Senior Marketing Specialist of Stevens Dining, to get an insight into the store’s curation.
When asked about the thought process behind having an on-campus location featuring this unique Amazon technology, Stevens Dining shared that many campuses already have Amazon Go locations. Marymount University, Bowling Green State University, and Georgia Southern University have all implemented these technology-powered convenience stores at their schools. Additionally, Stevens Dining shared how, operationally, it provides many benefits once up and running, such as longer open hours, requiring less time from employees, and quick and convenient checkout. Due to these characteristics and the innovation of the technology as a whole befitting the Stevens theme, the Amazon Go store was initially a part of the University Center Complex Marketplace. However, the place was pushed back and ultimately moved to replace the current Gateway Cafe. The Amazon Go store took two years of planning and execution. Once Amazon was on site and contracts were signed, implementing and installing the “Just Walk Out” technology took four months. Once the technology was finalized, members of Stevens Dining, Resident Assistants, and members of the Student Government Association all participated in the trial run.
In terms of the process, the walk-out technology works just as its name suggests. Only one person at a time can currently walk into the store. Once they do, they scan in using whatever payment method they prefer. Meal swipes are currently not accepted, but this is a top priority for Stevens Dining to alter by Fall 2024. However, students can still use DuckBills or their Dining Dollars but must have at least 25 dollars loaded to do so. Credit cards and debit cards also work and require no minimum amount. Once a person enters the store after scanning in, they just pick up whatever item they would like to purchase and walk out. The store attributes a charge to your payment type based on you picking up an item. Similarly, if you were to pick up an item and decide not to purchase it, you can negate the charge by simply placing it back.
With the Amazon Go store fully functioning, students have a lot of differing opinions and questions. The biggest concern of students is the fact that meal swipes aren’t applicable at this establishment. Stevens Dining plans to address this issue by the coming fall. Additionally, a lot of students have also been curious about the menu offering of this location and what the opening of the Amazon Go store means for the existing Gateway Cafe. In terms of items offered, there are over 400 items to choose from. With regard to what will happen to the existing Gateway Cafe, the temporary setup will last till the end of the semester or until the meal swipes are incorporated within the “Just Walk Out” technology.
Lastly, while it hasn’t been long since the “Just Walk Out” technology was introduced to the campus, Amazon recently announced that it will be moving past its own technology. Amazon plans to remove the “Just Walk Out” technology at its Amazon Fresh stores due to customer feedback and difficulties in lowering the rate at which the system relies on human employees. However, it will still continue the technology operations for places where it services the technology, including Amazon Go stores, college stores and cafes, and airport locations. While this announcement comes at an interesting time, Stevens Dining is confident in the Amazon Go store’s success.
