MILL CREEK — The newest Amazon Go bustled with customers at lunchtime this week.
Locals came to check out the high-tech, cashier-less store, which offers grab-and-go food, snacks, beverages, groceries and more than 30 made-to-order breakfast and lunch items.
The store opened Tuesday at 132nd Street and 39th Avenue NE. It’s the first Amazon Go in the state outside Seattle.
Mill Creek resident Dean Chinnery had been waiting for months.
“It’s easy, convenient and modern,” he said after his first visit on Wednesday.
There are no checkout lines at Amazon Go stores.
After they enter, customers use their Amazon shopping app or credit card to pass a gated entryway. Once inside, they can grab what they want and leave, thanks to a network of cameras and sensors that track customers’ every move.
Chinnery didn’t buy anything on his first trip but snapped a few photos of the store to send to his wife at home.
First-time customers also included Allison and Jay Griffin, who live nearby and have seen the large Amazon Go sign posted outside since late January.
“We wanted to see what it was all about,” Jay Griffin said.
They picked up popcorn and jerky during their work-from-home break.
Allison Griffin said she was impressed with the store’s selection, including the healthier options. Jay Griffin wondered how the high-tech store would fare in suburban Mill Creek compared to traditional grocery stores. Most Amazon Go stores are in downtown Seattle and cater to a different clientele.
“I’m curious who is going to come in,” he said.
Amazon has said the Mill Creek store is part of a move to the suburbs. It’s also the focal point of a 82,000-square-foot commercial center going up in Mill Creek.
The Amazon Go menu includes sandwiches and burritos, breakfast bowls, avocado toast, hot and cold deli sandwiches, salads and wraps. For a limited time, customers can get a discount: $6 made-to-order sandwiches, and $3 avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches.
There is also beer and wine; cold brew coffee and kombucha on tap; four flavors of ICEE slurpees; and self-serve Pinkberry frozen yogurt.
Grocery staples, like milk and frozen meals, are also on the shelves. Another section offers household cleaning items, shampoo, sunscreen and more.
Between eight and 12 employees work at the store, according to an employee.
The store offers other services: a place to return Amazon items (no package required) and two free electric vehicle charging stations.
Jacqueline Allison: 425-339-3434; jacqueline.allison@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @jacq_allison.
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