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There are already more than 1,000 Automated Convenience Stores in the United States.
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In 2021, U.S. convenience stores generated approximately 405.3 billion U.S. dollars from motor fuel sales.
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The overall convenience store sector in the United States had sales of 663.5 billion U.S. dollars that year.
In a world where technology increasingly intertwines with our daily lives, it’s no surprise that it’s also revolutionizing the way we shop. One of the latest trends in the retail world is the proliferation of automated convenience stores, where technology combines seamlessly to provide an unparalleled shopping experience.
The Era of Automated Convenience Stores
Automated convenience stores represent a radically new retail concept, eliminating the need for human cashiers in the purchasing process and the infamous “second register” dilemma. Here, customers can access products and make payments without interacting with an employee.
These stores rely on various technologies, including cameras and sensors to track customer movements and record the products they pick up, recognition software that identifies selected products and calculates prices, and payment terminals that efficiently process payments.
Advantages and Challenges of Automated Convenience Stores
These retailers offer several advantages to customers:
- Speed: Customers can complete their purchases in a matter of minutes, without the need to wait in endless lines.
- Convenience: They are available 24/7, providing access to convenience products at any time.
- Security: The technology used in these stores helps prevent theft and fraud, creating a safe environment for shoppers.
However, they also face certain challenges:
- Cost: Installing the technology required to automate a convenience store can be expensive.
- Employment: Automation can lead to job losses, raising concerns about its social impact.
- Accessibility: Automated stores may be less accessible to people who have difficulty using technology.
It’s true that cost is one of the challenges, but access to technology is already a reality. In the United States, no one understands this trend better than the company JUXTA, with the launch of JUXTA Nomad, its value proposition for automated convenience stores.
In the words of JUXTA:
Imagine a retail experience where convenience knows no bounds. JUXTA Nomads offer retailers an effortless and highly efficient solution. These stores can be deployed instantly, eliminating the need for extensive setup or construction. Whether in a bustling urban area or a remote location, JUXTA Nomads can be where the customers are.
Here’s how their technology works, promising to revolutionize retail:
The Future of Automated Convenience Stores
Despite these challenges, these types of retailers are gaining popularity. In the United States, for example, there are already more than 1,000 of these stores, and their numbers are expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
In Mexico, although not yet common, some companies are exploring the possibility of implementing this technology. The convenience store chain Oxxo, for instance, has a concept test called Grab & Go at the Tec de Monterrey in Monterrey City.
The future of automated convenience stores is uncertain, but it’s likely that this technology will continue to develop and become a more common option for consumers in the future. Ultimately, these stores represent an exciting step forward in the evolution of the retail experience, where technology and convenience merge seamlessly.
