Lawson Tries Out Unmanned Store Operation
Convenience store giant Lawson is experimenting with operating an outlet that's unmanned overnight to tackle labor shortage.
By NIPPON TV NEWS 24 JAPANhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSuKd-DKyTQ
The store in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, will have no clerks from midnight to 5 a.m. Customers can enter the store using a smartphone app or by having a picture of their face taken at the entrance. They can purchase products using self-checkout devices. Cigarettes and alcohol will not be sold during the unmanned hours.
The rapidly aging society and low birth rate have brought about a critical labor shortage throughout Japan. Convenience stores are facing increasing difficulties operating at night. Lawson’s experiment is scheduled to last for six months.
