[physcab]

The “re-humanizing retail” line left a bad taste in my mouth. When I think of lots of cameras in a store designed to get you in and out as quickly as possible without having to talk to a cashier or a stocker, it feels de-humanizing and sterile. It is also one of the ways I interact with people at different income levels. That’s why people go to farmers markets and do CSA boxes - they want to feel connection to their food providers and community.

I don’t doubt this technology is the future or will be a big market, but let’s not kid ourselves that this will generate more human connection.

[TheEzEzz]

(Jordan from Standard here)

This is a fair initial take, and we should clarify why we think we're improving the social experience. A big part of why Lyft or Uber feels different than taking a cab is that there's no transactional portion of your interaction with the driver. Get into the car, chat a bit, say goodbye, and be on your way. By removing transactional mechanics you can focus on the human element. If you look at the Amazon Go stores, or the Standard Store, you see a similar effect. You walk in, and rather than immediately seeing bulky machines manned by people with the sole intent of transacting, instead you see people walking around chatting and helping you find what you need. They're not there to take your money, they're there to help you, exclusively. That changes the nature of the interaction, and is the experience we're trying to deliver across retail.

[physcab]

I mean, that is a good pitch in theory, that just doesn't resonate with my experience as a consumer in retail.

Go to any store that has self-checkout currently. Usually there is one attendee servicing 4 machines. No one comes up to you to chat, they only come over when theres a problem. When you go to a manned-checkout, they usually ask how you are doing, if you found everything ok, if you want to join a loyalty program...etc. Some of the checkout people I know very well over the years in my community. One even gave my infant daughter free socks because she has grandchildren.

You wont get that in this future. Those checkers will be gone. You'll just have employees minding their own business tending to their work, like you will with yours.

[mikhuang]

I think the idea is that instead of being tied to a cash register, former checkout people would be able to get to know their community better by being free to go anywhere in the store. The Apple Store experience comes to mind for me.

[xfitm3]

Let's not forget just how terrible the taxi industry was before Uber came along. The bar was really low. A large part of their success is attributed to their initial business strategy and subsequent legal and regulatory achievements.