Unstaffed shops in Hungary: Here is how we can shop in these hybrid stores

As reported by Daily News Hungary before, soon, the first so-called hybrid/unstaffed shops will be launched in Hungary. These stores will be open during the day in the traditional way, meaning there will be staff working in the store, and outside normal opening hours, in an unstaffed mode. Here is what we know so far about these places.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Details of unstaffed shops announced at Laurel conference

According to turizmus.com, details of the technical conditions and how this form of service can be used were announced at the retail conference of Laurel Ltd., the developer of the solution in Hungary, on 15 May.

“In order to use the new type of shops, we will need an application, which we will download and provide our personal data, supported by a photo ID,”

Attila Bessenyei, CEO of Laurel, said at the event.

We will need an app to shop in these stores

Photo: depositphotos.com

Based on this, the app on your smartphone generates a single-use QR code, which you can use to enter the store and shop as usual, simply adding the items you want to your basket, he added.

In the unstaffed mode, payment is made at the self-service checkouts. There, you also have to scan the QR code that identifies you, just as you cannot exit the store without scanning the receipt you have received.

“So everyone who is in an unstaffed shop is identified in advance, but there is also a complex system to ensure security,”

Bessenyei said. For example, the camera images of such unstaffed shops are monitored by an artificial intelligence-based algorithm that detects suspicious, unusual customer movements and immediately alerts the remote surveillance.

Remote security officer ready to help

The remote security officer, who monitors several unstaffed shops at the same time, can intervene, as they are not only in video but also in voice contact with the shop. Thus, they are available to help shoppers if they need assistance. The system also handles alcoholic beverages automatically, as in unstaffed mode, only adults are allowed to enter the shop by default.

Bessenyei added that it is important to note that the solution can be adapted to existing shops with a floor area of up to 3-500 m2. The system has already been successfully introduced in the Czech Republic, for example, and is an excellent transition between permanently unstaffed and traditional shops.

The launch is currently in advanced negotiations with 4-5 chains in the capital and the countryside. Right now, it looks like the first of these hybrid stores will open in the countryside, turizmus.com writes.

After the changeover, the shop can be open 24/7, and can generate significant revenue during less busy periods when it is not worth keeping staff on duty. Based on examples in the Czech Republic, 10-20% of turnover can be generated during unstaffed hours and the shop does not even need to be in a prime location.

Read also:

• Innovation: Non-stop new unstaffed shops to open in Hungary!
• Excellent news: Innovative digital ID in Hungary to be launched this week

Featured image: depositphotos.com