GRIDSERVE has launched a revolutionary retail experience at its Stevenage Electric Forecourt. The Little Fresh store now features Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, allowing customers to shop without queues or checkouts. This innovation, located just off the A1(M), combines state-of-the-art EV charging with ultimate convenience, offering drivers a chance to recharge themselves and their vehicles simultaneously in a completely frictionless environment.
A Seamless Shopping Experience Arrives in Stevenage
The new Little Fresh store, operated by GRIDSERVE, brings a futuristic shopping method to EV drivers. This is the second collaboration between GRIDSERVE, retail partner SimplyFresh, and Amazon, mirroring the success of a similar store at the London Gatwick Electric Forecourt. The goal is to create a consistent and high-quality experience across all locations.
Visitors can now enter the store by simply tapping their contactless card or smartphone. As they select groceries, snacks, or drinks, a virtual cart tracks their items. When they are done, they can just walk out. The system automatically charges their chosen payment method, completely eliminating the need to wait in line.
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Product Officer at GRIDSERVE, stated that the aim is to deliver the best overall experience, not just fast charging. She noted that the “Little Fresh powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology delivers a seamless retail experience” that has already proven popular with customers.
How the Checkout-Free Technology Works
The process is designed to be incredibly simple and intuitive for shoppers. The technology uses a combination of sensors and AI to see what customers take from the shelves and what they put back, ensuring accurate billing without any manual scanning.
This innovative approach offers several key benefits for busy drivers who want to get back on the road quickly.
- No More Queues: The biggest advantage is the complete removal of checkout lines, saving valuable time.
- Effortless Payment: Billing is handled automatically in the background, making the transaction feel invisible.
- Enhanced Convenience: Shoppers can focus on getting what they need without the usual hassle of a traditional store.
This focus on speed and ease perfectly complements the fast charging services offered at the forecourt, creating a truly integrated and modern service hub.
More Than Just Charging Your Car
The Stevenage Electric Forecourt is designed as a complete destination for EV drivers, not just a place to plug in. It stands as one of Europe’s most advanced EV charging hubs, providing extensive facilities to cater to all types of electric vehicles. Beyond the cutting-edge retail store, visitors can find a Costa Coffee and a comfortable lounge to relax in while they wait.
The combination of amenities ensures that every part of a driver’s stop is pleasant and productive. This holistic approach addresses both the needs of the vehicle and the driver.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Highland Stables, Junction 7, A1(M), Stevenage |
| Retail Partner | SimplyFresh’s Little Fresh |
| Technology | Amazon Just Walk Out |
| EV Charging Bays | 30 total (24 high-power, 4 Tesla Superchargers) |
| Additional Amenities | Costa Coffee, Lounge Area |
A Vision for the Future of Convenience Retail
This project is more than just a new store; it’s a statement about the future of roadside retail. The partnership between SimplyFresh and GRIDSERVE aims to set a new industry standard. Kash Khera, Managing Director at SimplyFresh, emphasized this, saying, “Simply Fresh has always been at the cutting edge of convenience retail, and our second collaboration with Amazon and GRIDSERVE solidifies this commitment.”
He explained that the Little Fresh concept is designed to provide an effortless shopping experience that perfectly suits the state-of-the-art charging facilities. By merging advanced payment tech with top-tier EV infrastructure, the partners are shaping the evolution of retail. This model demonstrates a clear path forward for service stations, where customer convenience is the top priority.
