Amazon has announced that it’s bringing Amazon One -- a new contactless payment option that lets customers link their card to their palm print -- to a Whole Foods store in Seattle. The technology enables shoppers to pay for their items simply by hovering their palm over the reader device.
In a blog post, Amazon said customers can sign up to use the technology at any Amazon One kiosk or device. Consumers can choose to enroll with just one palm signature or both. The company said enrollment takes less than a minute and paying using the tech takes just a second.
Previously, the palm signature reading technology was only available in Amazon Go, Amazon Books, and other smaller Amazon stores. The company said it’s collected “great” customer feedback on Amazon One since its introduction. Customers have appreciated its touchless nature and how quickly they are able to pay for goods.
Expanding the technology
The new technology has been installed at a Whole Foods store at Madison Broadway in Seattle, but Amazon has plans to expand it to seven others in the Seattle area “over the coming months.” Eventually, the retailer plans to offer it to third-party retailers.
“At Whole Foods Market, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the shopping experience for our customers,” Arun Rajan, senior vice president of technology and chief technology officer at Whole Foods Market, said in a statement.
“Working closely with Amazon, we’ve brought benefits like Prime member discounts, online grocery delivery and pickup, and free returns to our customers, and we’re excited to add Amazon One as a payment option beginning today. We’re starting with an initial store at Madison Broadway in Seattle and look forward to hearing what customers think as we expand this option to additional stores over time.”