On TCU’s campus, students, faculty and staff are constantly on the go. Starting in early October, the opening of the Shoppe at Wright will enable those on campus to grab what they need without skipping a beat.
This smart bodega-style concept utilizes Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology, which allows shoppers to enter a store, grab what they want, and return to their day without waiting for a cashier or even going through a self-checkout line.
Customers enter or exit the store displaying a payment method, and the store’s camera vision and sensors detect what items shoppers choose, explained Miles Oller, director of student affairs facilities. Payment methods include a tap-to-pay credit card or Campus Cash from the campus meal plan (through the GET app). Since the payment method is logged upon entry, customers can leave the market at any time without the traditional “check-out” experience.
The Shoppe at Wright will include self-serve coffee options, shakes and smoothies, quick meals, drinks, snacks, produce and basics like ibuprofen, toothpaste and other sundries.
“Part of what we hope will make this successful and helpful to all is that inventory can quickly shift based on the needs of our campus community,” Oller said. “Customer feedback will be crucial in making sure that the market sells useful, necessary products.”
The new storefront will be located on the west side of Wright Hall on the first floor near the Campus Commons. Although new to TCU, every effort was made to ensure the Shoppe at Wright blends seamlessly into the campus landscape.
“Our team did a great job meeting Amazon’s requirements while remaining true to TCU’s iconic design standards,” said project manager Morgan McGlothlin. “We’re excited about this project. In the spirit of TCU’s legacy, it’s a great blend of innovation and tradition.”