The idea of a store operating without checkouts and staff seemed almost like science fiction just a few years ago. And yet, in 2016, Amazon took the first step in the United States, presenting Amazon Go, which became the world\u2019s first fully automated retail outlet. Initially, it operated only at the company\u2019s headquarters, serving exclusively its employees. Two years later, in January 2018, it opened its doors to the public, ushering in a new reality for retail.<\/p>\n
That first store focused on ready-made meals, basic groceries, and alcoholic beverages. In 2020, a second location opened in Seattle\u2019s Capitol Hill neighborhood with a broader range of products. In March of the same year, Amazon took an even more radical step: it began licensing the technology to third-party retailers, allowing them to implement the cashierless shopping model in their own stores. This way, the \u201cgrab and go\u201d experience without any human interaction became available to more consumers.<\/p>\n
In Greece, this technological model made its debut only recently, with the Smart Shop in Nea Smyrni. The store belongs to Core Innovations, a subsidiary of the Motor Oil Group, and marks a breakthrough in how we perceive the everyday purchase of food and essentials.<\/p>\n
According to the company\u2019s general manager, Lefteris Giannakoudakis, the new store promises to \u201cdisrupt the classic shopping experience.\u201d Until 11 p.m., it operates with staff, but from that time until 7 a.m., it turns into a standalone mini market without employees. At that point, everything happens digitally, from entry to payment, with the system switching to \u201cautopilot.\u201d<\/p>\n
The entry process is typical: the customer scans their bank card at a special machine at the entrance, enters their email, and confirms they are over 18 years old. The process is completed within seconds, with the system temporarily holding \u20ac3, which is either deducted from the purchase or refunded if no transaction takes place. The door then opens automatically, and the shopper can proceed without any human involvement.<\/p>\n
Inside, the store carries around 2,500 products, with the capacity to reach 2,800. The range covers all daily needs: from refrigerated items and groceries to snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. In addition, the store also functions as a pickup point for online orders placed through Core Innovations\u2019 e-shop, bridging the physical and digital worlds of retail.<\/p>\n
The Nea Smyrni project is not a standalone initiative. On the contrary, Core Innovations sees this pilot project as the first step toward a new retail model. The company currently operates a network of 28 stores, which function as standalone units. The experience gained from the Smart Shop will serve as a guide for a possible expansion of the concept, either through new locations or franchise-type partnerships.<\/p>\n
Noteworthy is how the product tracking and billing system works. A multitude of cameras installed on the ceiling monitor every move of the customer. When a product is removed from the shelf and placed in the shopper\u2019s bag, the software recognizes the item and records its value in the account. Upon exiting the store, the final charge is automatically applied to the card registered at the entrance.<\/p>\n
The Nea Smyrni store falls into the category of convenience stores, small points of sale designed to combine speed of service with a wide product range. Core Innovations gradually aims to convert all the stores it acquired after taking over the Twenty 4 Shopen chain into Smart Shops\u201425 locations in total\u2014while also planning the operation of two more stores outside fuel stations.<\/p>\n
It is also possible that we will see Smart Shops inside Shell fuel stations in the future, as Mr. Giannakoudakis did not rule out such a prospect. It is worth noting that after Coral ended its partnership with AB Vassilopoulos, which had involved 79 AB Shop & Go stores within Shell stations, these outlets were already rebranded as Smart Shop.<\/p>\n
In short, the technology that just a few years ago was presented as an innovation by Amazon in the U.S. is now finding application in the Greek market. The Nea Smyrni store is the first piece of a broader puzzle that could radically change the way we shop. Whether Greek consumers will embrace the idea of a fully autonomous mini market remains to be seen in Core Innovations\u2019 next steps.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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