Campus Shopping Revolution: The Future of Retail at Lake Washington Institute of Technology
In a significant shift towards modern retail practices, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) introduces a checkout-free shopping experience powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. Launched by 365 Retail Markets in collaboration with Evergreen Refreshments, this innovative store redefines the shopping landscape for students, faculty, and staff on campus.
A New Retail Experience
Unlike traditional micro markets or vending machines, this new store offers a fully autonomous retail environment. Customers can shop freely in a spacious layout that provides a wider variety of products. Access to the store is seamless; shoppers are greeted by a gate controlled via credit cards, mobile wallets, or the 365Pay app. Once they enter, cutting-edge sensors track items taken or returned, creating a virtual shopping cart in real-time.
When ready to leave, shoppers simply walk out, and their selected items are automatically charged to their payment method. This streamlined process not only saves time but also enhances the overall shopping experience, eliminating long lines and checkout delays.
Jeff Dumbrell, Chief Revenue Officer at 365 Retail Markets, states, "This launch exemplifies how autonomous retail solutions adapt to the dynamic environment of institutions like LWTech. Students benefit from a full retail experience without the inconveniences of traditional shopping, and Evergreen Refreshments can effectively manage campus demands."
Catering to Campus Life
The store at LWTech is not just about convenience; it's about aligning with campus life rhythms. It alleviates peak rush hours, accommodating more transactions during busy periods and minimizing the loss of sales that typically occurs when students abandon their carts due to long lines. Furthermore, it expands access to food and beverage options during late hours, filling the gaps that vending machines can't cover.
Arthur Siller, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Evergreen Refreshments, commented on the partnership: "We’re thrilled to give students a new option for grabbing essentials anytime. With this store, they can shop at their convenience—day or night—without the hassle of waiting in line."
Comprehensive Management and Support
The implementation of this advanced technology involves a holistic approach from 365 Retail Markets, which takes responsibility for the entire store setup from design and installation to camera calibration and gate management. This ensures that the integration with Evergreen Refreshments' existing systems is seamless, allowing for maintenance of catalog management, payment processing, and analytics.
For ongoing support, 365 Retail Markets acts as the primary contact, utilizing their experienced field teams for troubleshooting while coordinating with Amazon for any technical requirements.
About the Companies
365 Retail Markets
As a leader in unattended retail technology, 365 Retail Markets provides solutions for micro markets, vending, and various service sectors such as corporate and educational environments. Recently, their acquisition of Cantaloupe, Inc. has reinforced their capacity to offer comprehensive support to nearly 40,000 operators throughout the United States, integrating payments, telemetry, and device management into their existing infrastructure.
Evergreen Refreshments
Established in 1976, Evergreen Refreshments is the premier breakroom service provider in the Pacific Northwest, delivering micro markets, office coffee solutions, pantry services, vending, and catering options across Seattle and beyond. With over 1,000 micro markets in operation, they focus on tailored refreshment programs suitable for a diverse range of organizations.
With its innovative approach, the checkout-free store at Lake Washington Institute of Technology is not just a shopping venue but a step forward in redefining retail experiences in educational institutions. The blend of technological advancement and convenience positions it as a model for future campus retail solutions.
For further details, visit
365 Retail Markets and
Evergreen Refreshments.