Cheers, the convenience store chain run by NTUC FairPrice, is going cashless and unmanned. The outlet at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) uses both front-line and back-end technology to optimise business operations and boost productivity.
The launch event of the concept store on 28 July 2017 was graced by Trade and Industry (Industry) Minister S Iswaran.
The store features a self-checkout system that uses cashless payment such as NETS, credit card, EZ-link and contactless payment. The store will also be the first to offer NETS payment via QR code.
State-of-the-art vending machines are also available to offer a wide range of ready-to-eat food.
Using data and video analytics, the store can also customise its inventory to suit customers’ purchasing patterns. An auto-ordering system eliminates the need for tracking and ordering of stocks and avoids an out of stock situation.
NTUC FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng said: “NTUC FairPrice constantly innovates and implements new service concepts to enhance the shopping experience for customers’ convenience. This unmanned store concept aims to challenge industry norms by bringing about a change in the retail industry through balancing efficient service delivery and operations capability via technology and at the same time, cultivate a self-service culture in Singapore.”
According to FairPrice, the convenience store is expected to save 180 man-hours a week by doing away with cashiers and ordering of stocks manually. Staff who worked at the store will be redeployed and upskilled to work on higher value jobs such as supply chain management, customer relations management, digital marketing and data analytics.
The initiative is in line with the Food Services and Retail Industry Transformation Maps launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and SPRING Singapore.
Future Retail Professionals
The convenience store also doubles up as a training facility for NYP’s School of Business Management students specialising in retail. Students will fully run the store and over 50 will be selected annually. They will receive a hands-on experience to run a business and test innovative ideas in a real-world environment.
“This store format is where the future of the retail business will be. I am learning skills that are ahead of the curve,” said NYP third-year student Siong Liyi.
FairPrice plans to open another unmanned Cheers convenience store in Tampines by the end of August this year.
