Move over, Amazon: American Express launches its first checkout-free store
Following in the footsteps of Amazon's contactless stores, American Express has opened up its own check-out free store in the Barclay Center arena in Brooklyn. The store, exclusive to Amex cardholders, offers concessions and merchandise to help fans avoid long lines and get back to the action faster. The store is a partnership between Amex and the sports arena to keep fans safe from COVID-19.
The shop features a variety of food and beverage concession items, along with unique, locally sourced items from Brooklyn small businesses and, of course, select merchandise items usually found in the Brooklyn Nets Team Store. The shop is on the Barclay Center's main concourse, outside of section 6, next to the American Express Card Member Entrance.
According to the American Express Trendex: Experiences Survey, nearly two-thirds of live-entertainment consumers agree that because of COVID-19, contactless payment options have never been more important to them. And 70% say that having a contactless payment option available would make them feel more comfortable returning to live sports, music and entertainment events.
Card members can tap their contactless Amex card, mobile wallet or insert their card to enter the shop. There may be a $1.00 hold on the card, which will be updated after purchases are completed. Technology tracks movements in the store, with each item having a unique weight that is tracked through weight-sensitive shelf sensors.
Related: 3 ways to pay without touching anything
If an item is replaced on an incorrect shelf, the system will identify that the item was moved -- but not purchased -- and the inventory report will alert the store operator that an item is in the wrong location. In-store staff are available to monitor any issues that may arise.
After making a purchase, cardholders can see their receipts at Go.Amex/Bkshop. You'll need to enter the last four digits of your physical card or digital wallet four-digit tail number, along with the date and approximate time of purchase. All sales are final due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An American Express spokeswoman notes that it is focused on launching the American Express Shop at Barclays Center, so there are no plans at this time to expand in additional locations.
Related: Here's how the pandemic is completely changing how we pay
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Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month