Imagine the grocery store of the future.
A fully automatic store without employees, without lines, without a checkout, without cash - everything is managed electronically.
What sounds like something out of a science fiction movie is already reality in China!
The store offers a lot of benefits compared to regular stores - it's open 24/7, there is no waiting in line and you don't need to carry any money with you.
Also, the store is mobile - it can be placed anywhere, offering a huge advantage for franchise partners.
Check out the "BingoBox", China's first unmanned convenience store:
At the end of last year, Amazon actually unveiled a similar concept for their Amazon Go stores - but ended up postponing them.
In China on the other hand, "BingoBox" is already fully operational: it's an unmanned convenience store, entirely automated and powered by WeChat.
To enter the store, the customer scans a QR code on the door via the WeChat app.
It is required that the customer has a WeChat account - because he can actually pay for his groceries with that account later on as well.
The store ("box") is approximately 10 square meters large.
Featured are packaged groceries and beverages, everyday items, toiletries, and also a small selection of fresh foods like bread, vegetables, fruits and more.
The selection is similar to that of a 7-11 store, but 20-30% cheaper (since there is no additional cost for staff.)
To pay, you scan the barcodes of your items, and are given a QR code.
You can then scan that QR code either with your WeChat app or with the Alipay App, the payment system of the largest Chinese retailer Alibaba.
By scanning that QR code, the amount automatically gets billed from your account - and you're good to go!
Now in case you're thinking about security issues in an unmanned store: there are measures for that too.
In-store cameras are checking whether you actually paid for the items you're holding when leaving the store.
Also, the BingoBox is aware of the customer's full name since he entered with a verified WeChat account - therefore, he can be held accountable if he tries to steal something.
A facial recognition software also analyzes the customer to make sure no unregistered users have entered the store.
Although there is no staff present at the store, a support center can be reached through video chat from a screen inside.
Everyday, one member of staff visits the store to re-stock and re-organize the items - which only takes about 20 minutes, according to BingoBox.
The company has received $15 million in funding and cooperates with French supermarket chain Auchan (which is very popular in China) to stock the store inventory.
What do you think about these unmanned stores - convenient or problematic?
© Sirwinchester