Singaporean retailer opens three AI-powered unmanned grocery stores
In this article (5)
Cheers, a sub-brand of Singapore’s largest Convenience store chain FairPrice recently launched an AI-powered cashierless store with Cloudpick. This is not the first unmanned convenience store opened by Cheers. The company piloted its first “unattended” store in Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2017, followed by two more at the National University of Singapore.
Unlike the first three stores, the new unmanned and cashless store is equipped with Cloudpick,the world’s leading AI digital retail technology solution provider, replacing self-checkout counters and creating a completely frictionless shopping experience powered by its patented AI system and computer vision technology.
Cashierless checkouts have been evolving for years. With the ongoing global pandemic, retailers are seeking new ways to enhance the shopping experience, including reducing in-store human-to-human contact by eliminating the checkout lines.
Cloudpick has empowered many retail chains in more than 11 countries around the world, and has landed more than 130 AI-powered cashierless stores. Other players providing computer vision checkout solutions such as Aifi, Zippin and Standard Cognition, which announced recently that it has raised $150 million in Series C funding led by Japan Softbank.
The grab-and-go Cheers store sells a variety of drinks, prepackaged food and snacks. When entering the Cheers store for the first time, the customers can download the Cheers SG app and add their payment method. They can use facial recognition or scan the QR code from App to enter the store. The customers then can just walk in, grab any items they want and simply walk out. The AI system track which products customers pick up and return; virtual baskets are updated accordingly by the algorithms, and customers’ digital accounts are automatically charged after exiting the stores. Consumers can quickly purchase their favored products even during peak hours.
“Cloudpick has empowered many retail chains in more than 11 countries around the world, and has landed more than 130 AI-powered cashierless stores.”
In addition to ‘fast billing speed’, the store can also enrich the customer’s shopping experience through smart bar screens in the store, this is also the first of its kind in the world. The smart bar screens can be used to effectively communicating with customers, such as displaying product information, suggestions, invoking coupons, and even playing competing advert campaigns if brands are willing to do so. The AI system is accurately identifies the audience standing in front of the screen, and play only the advert that is relevant and most efficient in creating conversion and facilitate customers’ decision-making process.
On the other hand, Cheers cashier-less convenience store has gotten rid of its high dependence on human resources. The automated cashier-free solution allows store operator to save on labor costs and allow 24/7 store operations, it removes the repetitive and tedious checkout work and provides more in-person services for customers. Meanwhile, the Cloudpick AI system completely digitizing ‘people, product and place’, it makes the operations and management process easier and more effective.
For instance, no more store inspection is needed for store operators, they will be notified in real-time when a product needs restocking. The real-time inventory check function allows the clerk to replenish products without spending countless times counting each of the items and verify the inventory. In terms of product selection, the business intelligent reports enable operating personnel to accurately grasp the most popular brands and product categories to make the best product selection decision, thus increasing sales based on improving customer satisfaction.
Mr.Seah Kian Peng, CEO of FairPrice Group mentioned, once the AI system adopted by Cheers autonomous convenience store is proven successful, the system may be rolled out to more sub-branches in the future.
With Cloudpick’s advanced technology and experience, the company will help FairPrice stores to break through manpower constraints, and through digital transformation, comprehensively enhance the customer shopping experience.
Questions & Answers
Q.How do customers enter the new AI-powered Cheers stores?
How do customers enter the new AI-powered Cheers stores?
First-time customers download the Cheers SG app and add a payment method. They can then use facial recognition or scan a QR code from the app to gain entry to the store.
Q.What are the main benefits of these new unmanned stores for the retailer?
What are the main benefits of these new unmanned stores for the retailer?
The stores remove the need for human cashiers, saving on labour costs and allowing 24/7 operation. The AI system also simplifies operations and management, providing real-time inventory updates and business intelligence reports.
Q.How does the new Cloudpick system differ from Cheers' previous unmanned stores?
How does the new Cloudpick system differ from Cheers' previous unmanned stores?
The new stores use Cloudpick's patented AI and computer vision technology to replace self-checkout counters entirely, creating a completely frictionless shopping experience. Previous stores likely had some form of self-checkout.
Q.What is the purpose of the smart bar screens within the new stores?
What is the purpose of the smart bar screens within the new stores?
The smart bar screens can communicate product information, offer suggestions, invoke coupons, and play relevant adverts. The AI identifies the audience to ensure effective and targeted communication.