Amazon clears key hurdle in UK plans

Amazon.com Inc is laying the groundwork to bring its checkout-free grocery store Amazon Go to Europe, as the US giant steps up its efforts to crack the $800 billion (Dh2.9 trillion) global market.

The UK Intellectual Property Office approved the Seattle-based company’s application to trademark the slogans “No Lines. No Checkout. (No, Seriously.)” and “No Queue. No Checkout. (No, Seriously.)”.

A corresponding application is being reviewed by the European Union’s equivalent agency.

The strap line is used in a promotional video for Amazon Go on YouTube that’s been viewed more than 9 million times.

Futuristic test store

The company has opened a futuristic test store under that name in Seattle that has no staff or checkouts.

Instead, it uses sensors and a smartphone application to top up customers’ “virtual shopping carts” when they remove items from shelves and place them in their bags.

When they leave the store, Amazon adds up the cost of items purchased and charges shoppers’ accounts.

The company’s desire to crack the grocery industry is a concern for British supermarket operators Tesco Plc and J Sainsbury Plc, which are struggling to retain shoppers amid stiff competition from discounters Aldi and Lidl.

Last year Amazon launched its online grocery delivery service Fresh in the UK and also partnered with Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc to bolster its product range.

The UK, with a well-developed e-commerce industry, is a regular first stop outside the US for Amazon when it’s introducing new services.