Lafayette first Lehigh Valley college to use Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ technology

Lafayette College, in partnership with its new dining provider, Parkhurst Dining, is introducing Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology just in time for the new academic year, becoming the first Lehigh Valley college or university to offer this high-tech option on its campus. 

President Nicole Hurd will join representatives from Parkhurst to introduce the new technology and its benefits for students during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 22 at Simon’s Market in Lafayette’s Kamine Hall, 776A Sullivan Road, Easton. 

“We’re thrilled to be the first college in the Lehigh Valley to offer Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology,” Hurd said. “This service adds easy access to a variety of foods for our students, catering to the fast-paced and busy lives they lead, and their expectations for healthier and more accessible anytime food options around campus.”

The enhanced shopping experience is powered by Transact Campus’ Transact Mobile Ordering. Customers will use the mobile app or a credit card to enter the store and pay for their items, ensuring a convenient and seamless shopping experience without having to wait in line.

“Transact Mobile Ordering, in tandem with Amazon, provides a smooth and flawless experience that unlocks several tools such as stored payment profiles, in-app receipts, and transaction recovery,” said Laura Newell-McLaughlin, executive vice president and general manager of payments at Transact Campus. “Congratulations to Lafayette and Parkhurst on being at the forefront of dining innovation.”

As part of its new partnership with Lafayette, Parkhurst designed and renovated the Simon’s Market space to accommodate the checkout-free technology. Simon’s Market is on the ground floor of Kamine Hall, conveniently situated near other student residence halls. 

“At Parkhurst, we provide our clients with innovative solutions to meet the needs of their campus community, and we are thrilled to bring this experience to Lafayette students, faculty, and staff,” said Larry Orr, vice president of higher education at Parkhurst Dining. “We know convenience is a major factor for today’s students as they evaluate their on-campus dining options. This technology makes it easier than ever for them to use their meal plans to purchase what they need, when they need it.”

The market offers fresh food, prepackaged meals, and other goods available daily, along with a meal-equivalency option for students to use with their meal plan. Students can use Pard Dollars, a prepaid declining cash balance account, a meal swipe, or a credit card. Customers enter the store, swipe their cards at the entry gates, select their desired items, and leave without going through a checkout line or self-serve kiosk. Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology detects what shoppers take from or return to the shelves using sensor fusion, computer vision, and deep learning. 

Simon’s Market features local vendors, including Khanisa’s pudding; Bank Street Creamery; Mia and Maddie’s Bakery; Pastificio 601; Casa de Jorge Salsa Company; Cece J’s Snacks; The Granola Factory; and Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn. The market is open 24/7, with the exception of a brief closing 2-6 a.m. Mondays.

“We are thrilled to bring our technology to Lafayette College,” said Jon Jenkins, vice president of Just Walk Out technology. “Students will find an accurate, dynamic, and convenient shopping experience that meets them where they are–day or night–so they can maintain their primary focus: their education.”