Tech 7-Eleven Japan to launch unmanned convenience stores

[thomas]

Seven-Eleven Japan, the largest convenience store chain in the country, is embarking on an innovative venture. They plan to operate small outlets without any storefront staff starting this spring. This move comes as Japan's retail industry grapples with a serious labour shortage. Seven-Eleven aims to open these unmanned stores in locations where traditional stores have faced challenges, such as tower condominiums and factory interiors. To streamline operations, they will rely on smartphone payments. The company will initially launch these unmanned stores in Tokyo and other areas. Already experimenting with a few such stores in Tokyo and Osaka prefecture, Seven-Eleven has also initiated discussions with approximately 20 companies interested in installing these stores on their premises. While the initial goal is to establish several dozen unmanned stores, this development marks a significant turning point for Japan's retail landscape.

Photo credit: Nikkei Asia​

At the stores, users first use a dedicated app to scan a QR code upon entering the store. They read the barcode of the item they wish to purchase with their own smartphone and pay with a credit card or other payment method. There is no need to stop at a cash register. The stores will be operated by a single employee, who will be responsible for tasks such as stocking products and ordering. The store will have an area of approximately 50 square meters, much smaller than a conventional store's 200 square meters. In addition to rice balls and bread, chilled boxed lunches, daily necessities, and freshly brewed coffee will be available. The number of products will be reduced to a maximum of 1,200, less than half the usual number. The convenience store market in Japan is saturated with nearly 56,000 stores. Small unmanned stores will increase the room for new openings and improve customer convenience by eliminating wait times at the cash register.

Paywall alert:

7-Eleven to begin operating unmanned convenience stores in Japan

Retailer eyes expanding outlets inside high-rise condos, factories

asia.nikkei.com

 

[Petaris]

That just seems prone to issue.

I'm surprised they didn't go the Amazon Go route and just have the scan at entrance and automatic checkout based on what you took.

 

[mdchachi]

That just seems prone to issue.

I'm surprised they didn't go the Amazon Go route and just have the scan at entrance and automatic checkout based on what you took.

That hasn't worked out for them yet. They're not expanding and last I heard they closed some stores. But I agree it seems like something that would work in Japan.

 

[Petaris]

That hasn't worked out for them yet. They're not expanding and last I heard they closed some stores. But I agree it seems like something that would work in Japan.

We did loose the store near us but I thought it had more to do with the lack of people during the pandemic then anything else.