Micro Markets

North Dakota sees first Amazon 'Just Walk Out' convenience store

Photo: CascadeCreatives - stock.adobe.com

March 12, 2025

Enerbase Cooperative Resources has opened the Midwest's first convenience store utilizing Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology at its new South Broadway Cenex location in Minot, North Dakota, according to an NACS report. This allows customers to shop without traditional checkout lines. The technology aims to free up staff to focus on customer service, including forecourt services like fuel pumping and windshield washing.

The store implemented a 3D model to map camera placement for the system. A traditional checkout lobby remains for fuel payments, age-restricted item purchases and restroom access.

"As a cooperative, we're always looking for ways to improve operations and deliver the best service to our members and customers," Enerbase CEO Ricky Aberle told NACS. "Bringing this technology to the c-store allows our team to focus on providing the best experience for the factors we can't automate, like welcoming guests, answering their questions, changing their oil and checking their tire pressure."