AMAZON opened its first physical store outside the US today and it was right here in Ealing!

It sells groceries just like any other supermarket, but also sells some Amazon tech, such as the Echo Dot.

There's also a counter for collecting and returning online orders, similarly to a high street retail store.

Ealing Nub News Editor, Dimitris Kouimtsidis, went to check out the new store and he was one of many members of the press there, including journalists from ITV News, the Daily Mail and Bloomberg.

Although there was a 30-minute queue to get inside, once in, it is surprisingly well socially distanced and relaxed.

In order to be allowed in, you need to download the Amazon app (not the Amazon GO app which is the American version) and scan your unique barcode.

Once inside, all you have to do is pick your items off the shelves and walk out the door, without physically going to a till in order to pay, as your card gets charged automatically upon exit from the shop.

Amazon said the Just Walk Out technology uses 'computer vision, deep learning algorithms, and sensor fusion'.

The technology understands what item you have picked up off the shelf and can also register if you've changed your mind and put the item back.

There are no baskets or trolleys for people to use, nor are there any plastic bags.

You can either bring your own shopping bag, pay £1 for a bag-for-life, or use a paper bag.

Matt Birch, the former Sainsbury's executive who now leads Amazon Fresh Stores UK, told PA the company has tried to make grocery shopping 'as convenient as possible'.

"The focus was just creating a really easy shopping experience for customers," he said.

"We recognise that UK customers want to shop in a convenient way so we really think they will appreciate being able to walk in and walk out with the shopping they need."

The excitement of having the first non-US Amazon store based in Ealing was evident, with hundreds of people queuing up to get in.

Beth and Phil who live in Ealing Broadway, only heard about the opening earlier this morning and wanted to 'see what it was all about'.

Thomas who also lives in Ealing Broadway is very excited with the new store: "It'll definitely help bring some more investment to the local area, it's a very exciting development in the grocery market."

Some local residents are worried that independent shops will be dealt a big blow, as customers will flock to the world-famous brand instead.

Charlie and Aaron from South Ealing disagree however: "It won't make much difference, Ealing already has supermarket chains and big retail shops, those who want to go to independent shops will still go to independent shops."

The company said it is looking forward to opening more stores in the London area.

But it faces an uphill battle to break the dominance of the traditional players such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons.

Check out our Facebook Live in order to see what it's like inside the store, over on our Facebook page HERE.