Autonomous markets represent a revolutionary approach to retail. In this article, we will explore the technologies that power them, the brands that are already implementing similar solutions in Europe, and why this is a promising business model.
Origins and Development of the Trend
The idea of contactless shopping emerged thanks to Amazon.
- In January 2018, the company opened its first “cashier-less” supermarket, radically changing our understanding of conventional shopping.
- Testing was conducted among Amazon Go employees in Seattle: shoppers entered through a turnstile using smartphones with a specialized app. Sensors on the shelves automatically registered the taken items, and the system charged the buyer’s account immediately after leaving the store.
- In March 2021, Amazon expanded its network by opening its first contactless store outside the United States—in London. This innovative approach became a springboard for the development of similar technologies around the globe.
Entering the European Market: Successful Cases from Different Countries
During the COVID-19 pandemic, European retailers increasingly adopted contactless shopping technologies. Here are some noteworthy examples:
- Germany – Decathlon: Their “Scan, pay, leave” system, operating in 81 stores, allows customers to make payments via smartphone without contact with staff.
- Poland – Take&GO by Surge Cloud: This is the first Polish autonomous store network where customers can freely select and purchase items using sensors that identify products and a wide system of cameras.
- Germany, Poland, Czech Republic – Kaufland: Implemented mobile self-service systems, allowing customers to use store scanners or their own smartphones for scanning and payment of items.
- France – Auchan Retail: Launched a mini-market at their headquarters in collaboration with the Israeli company Trigo, which employs computer vision technology for contactless shopping.
- Spain – Clothing brand Bershka: Customers place selected items on a special checkout that automatically recognizes the items. After this, the customer completes the payment, removes the security tag, and exits the store.
A notable case is Żabka Group from Poland, which currently has the most mini-markets in Europe and plans to surpass Amazon to become a global leader. Żabka Nano stores operate based on computer vision technology from AiFi.
Why Are Cashier-less Sales Growing in Popularity?
The main advantages for businesses and consumers include:
- Reduction of labor and equipment service costs.
- Increased efficiency. Shorter lines and instant payment processing save customers time, leading to a 15% increase in the average transaction value.
- Improved security. The use of cameras and other intelligent technologies minimizes theft risks.
- Satisfied customers, as speed and convenience are highly valued by modern consumers.
Technologies Enabling Contactless Shopping
These stores operate thanks to advanced technologies, and this is where Neuroshop can become your reliable partner:
- Neural Vision: This system uses AI algorithms to track customer interactions with products to accurately determine their choices.
- Precise Scales: Highly sensitive sensors instantly detect even the slightest changes in the weight of products due to equipment calibrated for different product categories.
- RFID Tags: They are used to ensure every product is accurately identified, which facilitates inventory tracking and provides real-time information updates.
Conclusions
Cashier-less stores are already transforming the retail market in Europe, offering maximum convenience for shoppers while reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency for retailers. Successful European cases clearly demonstrate the potential of this direction. Neuroshop is ready to provide the necessary technological solutions to create autonomous stores across the globe, helping businesses adapt to modern trends and meet consumer needs.
