Albert Heijn is testing a “fully digital” store concept with no checkout or self-scan.
Customers swipe their debit or credit card to enter the store then simply pick up the products they want and walk out of the store. Cameras track where customers go and link products they pick up to their virtual basket, while sensors track products that are taken off or put back on shelves.
Developed with US start-up AiFi and Dutch bank ING, the system does not require customers to register in advance or download an app.
The store is located in Zaandam and will be tested over the next two months by employees.
Marit van Egmond, brand president at Albert Heijn, said, “This latest concept not only makes shopping very easy; due to its autonomous nature, this ‘plug and play’ store can be placed at locations where there is a (temporary) need for a small store, from offices or university campuses to residential areas under construction that do not yet have shopping facilities.
“A second advantage is that the store can always be open, which is useful for people who are on the road very early or very late.”