Self-checkout systems and contactless payment are just some of the features of Singapore’s first unmanned, cashless convenience store.
Singapore retailer NTUC FairPrice and Cheers announced the launch of the new store at the Nanyang Polytechnic campus on 28 July.
The Cheers store will feature vending machines with hot meals and snacks, as well as a range of ready-to-eat food, and will use data and video analytics to track customer’s purchasing behaviour, with an auto-ordering system minimising out-of-stock situations.
Seah Kian Peng, CEO of NTUC FairPrice, said the unmanned store concept would challenge industry norms and cultivate a self-service culture in Singapore.
“NTUC FairPrice constantly innovates and implements new service concepts to enhance the shopping experience for customers’ convenience. This unmanned store concept aims to challenge industry norms by bringing about a step change in the retail industry through balancing efficient service delivery and operations capability via technology.”
The store will also function as a training centre for the school’s students to gain experience running a business and trial innovative technology.
“We are moving our students up the value chain. They are gaining new skills and working with new technologies, such as data analytics and IoT. I would like to thank our partners for this key opportunity,” added Jeanne Liew, Principal & CEO, Nanyang Polytechnic.
Another unmanned Cheers convenience store will be trialled in Tampinesthis year.
