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Konzum: The first smart store is still in the testing phase, no new ones will be opened yet

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In September last year, Konzum opened the first smart store in the strict center of Zagreb, named Konzum SMART. The store, which has no cashiers or salespeople but is covered by one hundred and fifty cameras, is fully automated. The technology that enables this concept is based on artificial intelligence, specifically computer vision for recognition. At the opening, it was stated that the eventual opening of new smart stores would depend on how customers react to this innovative concept.

– Our customers have reacted positively to such innovations since the store opened, and we are in regular communication with them to find out what is most important to them in this type of business, where we can provide additional support, as well as what needs to be changed. In the Konzum SMART store, customers most often buy a smaller number of items, so the average transaction amount is lower than in other traditional stores, where customers come to make larger purchases. Bakery products, fruits, and various beverages are the most commonly purchased items – they respond to our inquiry at Konzum regarding the initial reactions after seven months of experience with the smart store.

However, there are currently no plans to open more such stores at Konzum.

– The concept of a smart store is relatively new and we are still in the testing phase of the project to make a quality assessment for the future of this type of store. Opening the first such store is a technological leap that shows that Konzum is a retail leader in the domestic market, but it is also a significant investment. This concept of stores is the future of retail, and we will make a decision on the potential opening of new locations in the foreseeable future – they emphasize at Konzum.

Although fully automated, the smart store is not without employees, as someone needs to take care of inventory, restocking shelves, cleaning, etc. Therefore, it cannot be exempt from the provisions regarding the prohibition of work on Sundays, which is why it is closed on Sundays, just like regular stores.

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