FamilyMart opens its second technology concept store

TAIPEI (The China Post) — FamilyMart opened on Wednesday its second smart convenience store in Songshan District following a first venture last year.

Following the first smart convenience store last year, Taiwan FamilyMart opened its second smart convenience store in Songshan District, Taipei on Oct. 23.  (YouTube: Famiwebchannel)
Following the opening of the first smart convenience store last year, Taiwan FamilyMart opened its second smart convenience store in Songshan District on Oct. 23, 2019.  (YouTube: Famiwebchannel)

Due to the shortage of manpower and changing consumers’ behavior, FamilyMart introduced AI technology to the concept store to provide a better shopping experience.

This second smart store is equipped with 5G WiFi, AI shelves, self-checkout, facial recognition payment and interactive robots.

Customers can have the products information by scanning the barcodes (YouTube: Famiwebchannel)
Customers can obtain information about their products by scanning barcodes (YouTube: Famiwebchannel)
Robots can help customers to obtain the information on products. (YouTube: Famiwebchannel)
Robots can help customers to obtain information on products. (YouTube: Famiwebchannel)

FamilyMart is not the first convenience store to open smart stores. In 2018, 7-Eleven opened two unmanned “X-Store” in Taipei, causing a stir in Taiwan. Yet, 7-Eleven announced the closing of two unmanned stores in Taipei and due to high operating costs in March.

7-Eleven opened two unmanned “X-Store” in Taipei, causing a stir in Taiwan. (FB:GaryWang)
7-Eleven opened two unmanned “X-Store” in Taipei, causing a stir in Taiwan. (GaryWang/Facebook)

In response to the closing of smart stores, 7-Eleven said it recently opened different types of compound stores selling products including cosmetics, bread, draft beer, and roasted chickens.

By Shelly Yang