Amazon delays debut of a store without cashiers

SEATTLE — Amazon. com is delaying the opening of its cashierless convenience store to the public because the store’s technology is having trouble tracking large numbers of people, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The pilot store, located in Amazon’s downtown campus, is powered by technology that Amazon says is similar to that found in driverless vehicles. An array of sensors tracks shoppers, who can pick up items from the shelves, get them added to a virtual cart, and walk out of the store without going through a cashier.

The store’s launch last year triggered an outcry from a union representing grocery employees because it threatened the jobs of cashiers, one of the largest occupations in the United States.

The store, dubbed Amazon Go, debuted with employees participating in a test program last December, and was expected to open its doors to the public in early 2017. (The Wall Street Journal says the opening was expected by the end of this month.)

But apparently the technology has trouble following shoppers when there are more than 20 people in the store at one time, according to anonymous sources cited by the newspaper. There are also issues with tracking products if they’re not on a specific spot on the shelf, the newspaper reported.

Amazon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

In another development, the New York Times reported that Amazon is exploring the idea of creating stores to sell furniture and home appliances, like refrigerators — the kinds of products that shoppers are reluctant to buy over the internet sight unseen. The plans are confidential, said one of several people with knowledge of the discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The stores would serve as showcases where people could view the items in person, with orders being delivered to their homes.

Amazon is also kicking around an electronics store concept similar to Apple’s retail emporiums, according to two of the people familiar with the discussions.