Not to be outdone with Amazon’s Just Walk Out headlines for cashierless shopping, 7-Eleven in Japan is taking that concept one step further with self-checkout terminals that feature holographic touch screens. The system utilizes a display embedded in the checkout counter that projects an image of a touch screen, which shoppers can tap like a real one. One important aspect is that the new platform takes up to 30% less space than a conventional POS configuration, saving valuable counterspace and creating room for more products.
A spokesperson for 7-Eleven said that a pilot program for the technology will start next month at six stores in Tokyo. The registers will accept only cashless payment methods, including credit cards, e-money cards and QR codes. Shoppers will not be able to use these terminals to buy alcohol, tobacco or prepared foods sold at normal checkout counters.
Overview by Don Apgar, Director, Merchant Services Advisory Practice at Mercator Advisory Group
