WeChat launches first pop-up store in Shanghai

Chinese messaging app WeChat has launched its first cashierless pop-up store in Shanghai.

The Tencent company has teamed with more than 300 merchants, including EasyGo and Elle, as well as shopping mall The Mixc to build up its first “flash retailing” pop-up store.

By scanning a QR code via WeChat, customers can enter the store. The system verifies the customer’s identification and gains access to their digital wallet WeChat Pay. All products have RFID tags to identify them and their price. Buyers can easily check the bill by scanning codes.

The Bai Zhenjie company, which applies WeChat Pay to the retail industry, says the concept of flash retailing is constantly being polished. Face-recognition technology and a credit-evaluation system are expected to also be applied to the stores.