No-more-cashier at new Suning store

A Suning store in Shanghai introduces an intelligent self-service checkout using facial-recognition technology for payments.

Suning Biu is reportedly the retail giant’s second such store in China, reports China.org.

Covering about 100sqm, the new Suning store is larger with more varied product categories than the company’s first unmanned shop in Nanjing, where Suning has its headquarters.

Before shopping, customers need to download an app and upload their personal information including a photo of their face and a bank card. In the shop they scan their face to take advantage of the automatic payment process.

Without having to scan QR codes or barcodes to calculate prices, clients just need to step into a “payment area” at the exit and look at an overhead camera. Their purchases will be listed on a screen, and payment completed automatically using their registered bank card. The few staff members in the store are there to offer technical instructions if necessary.

Suning.com vice-CEO Fan Zhijun says self-service stores are expected to be introduced to other cities in China.