FamilyMart, which is developing the second largest chain of convenience stores in the Japanese market, has unveiled plans to open 1,000 convenience stores that will operate in an innovative format without traditional cash registers and salespeople.
According to the news agency Regnum citing Nikkei Asia, the retailer’s decision to develop a new technology format was dictated by relaxing the country’s government requirements on staff in grocery stores.
It is reported that the new FamilyMart stores will sell the same goods as the standard outlets – the most sought-after food and convenience products. The retailer expects to have 1,000 cashless stores open by the end of 2024.
In other new format stores, store operations will be monitored using video cameras, intelligent shelves, sensors, and sensors. Images will be processed using artificial intelligence. At the exit of the store, customers will receive notifications of charges for purchased goods. A pilot store in the new format has already been tested in Tokyo.
