After months of closures, retail stores are adopting a mix of both high-tech and low-tech solutions that help to minimize contact between shoppers and staff, which is making everything from contactless pickup lockers to autonomous self-service stores more common. French retail chain Monoprix is trying out the latter with a 24-hour store that stocks hundreds of snacks and hygiene products. Consumers can gain entry to the store by scanning their credit card and once inside, the store uses AI-based product recognition technology to simplify the process of selecting and paying for goods.

 

The unique format of the store helps shoppers avoid having to end their in-store trip at a cashier station, and guests only need to validate their baskets to make their exit.

 

Source: Laura McQuarrie