Retailers around the world continue to experiment with new ways to reduce checkout friction and improve the customer experience. Building on the momentum of cashierless shopping concepts, 7-Eleven Japan is testing a new generation of self-checkout technology that combines cashless payments with holographic touch-screen interfaces. The innovative system not only creates a futuristic shopping experience but also reduces the physical footprint of traditional point-of-sale equipment, freeing valuable store space for merchandise and customer convenience. As retailers increasingly invest in automation and contactless payment technologies, initiatives like this highlight how the checkout experience continues to evolve beyond the conventional cash register.
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
