The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

I recently read an article about Amazon’s new Amazon Go convenience stores. The stores are the very definition of “convenient.” They have no cash, no lines and no cashiers. You simply download the Amazon Go app on your phone, walk in, pick up what you want and walk out. No standing in line and no messing with wallets or credit cards.

So how does it work? The entrance of the store has a row of subway-style gates that only those with the store’s smartphone app can pass through. Patrons shop as a combination of sensors, cameras and computer vision automatically charges customers for items as they leave the store.

The first Amazon Go store opened in Seattle early last year and eight more locations have opened since. Amazon has reportedly discussed opening as many as 3,000 Amazon Go locations by 2021.

According to analysts at RBC Capital, each Amazon Go store will bring in $1.5 million in annual revenue, about 50% more than a typical storefront.

While it’s highly unlikely that Waitsburg will ever see an Amazon Go store, we still find ways to avoid face-to-face interactions. Where we once purchased gas from an attendant, we now have card readers that do the work. We can buy pop from machines and get our cash from ATMs.

But in talking with local businesses as part of our Waitsburg Welcomes 2019 series, one thing I’ve heard repeated is that our businesses want us to come in and say hello.

Kim Julian at Banner Bank asks that folks take the time to come inside rather than using the ATM during regular banking hours so they can share a smile. Postmaster Mike Reed says he is enjoying meeting the community and learning customer names.

It may be quick and easy to bypass the cashier, but we miss out on the benefits that come with those face-to-face interactions. Personally, I like that Sarah at the post office knows my box number without my having to tell her and enjoy good-natured ribbing and a big smile from Sam at Sam’s Corner when I stop in. Not to mention Justin’s photos of antler sheds and recipe updates at Waitsburg Grocery.

Small town life may be a little less “convenient” than the big city in some ways, but I think most of us like it that way. Still, it’s sometimes easy to forget to share a smile and kind word in favor of using a machine or ordering online. Personally, I’m going to make a point to value and appreciate the opportunities I have to interact with Waitsburg’s fine business owners and employees.