A staff-free, automatic Coop is opening in Szeged

A new concept of shopping is coming to Szeged as the Coop store at Szent István Square prepares to transition to an automated, staff-less format.

Author

Andrew Davison
December 07, 2024

The modernization of the store is part of a broader strategy by Coop Szeged Zrt. to implement technology that minimizes the need for human cashiers. According to company representatives, further details about this shift will be communicated to customers and stakeholders in due time.

Features of the New Store

The recently renovated Coop store has already eliminated traditional checkout counters, replacing them with self-service kiosks. For the time being, customers who prefer to pay using conventional methods will still have access to those options. János Kelemen, the CEO of the company, indicated that the fully automated store might be operational by early 2025, although he refrained from providing specific timelines.

The envisioned store will potentially operate 24/7, accommodating the evolving needs of consumers. While precise details regarding the implemented technology are currently under wraps, sources suggest that facial recognition cameras and an app will play key roles in the shopping experience.

Comparison with Czech Republic's Automated Coop Stores

Although automated stores are a novelty in Hungary, they have already been in operation in the Czech Republic since 2022. Customers there can access the stores using an app, select products monitored by facial recognition systems, and pay using digital payment methods. This model allows for uninterrupted shopping since the stores can remain open at all times.

Lukáš Němčík, the development and marketing director for Coop in the Czech Republic, highlighted that automated stores are particularly beneficial in small to medium-sized cities. These stores are designed to meet the increasing demand for flexible shopping options, especially when conventional grocery stores have limited hours.

Security measures, including surveillance cameras linked to a central control, enhance the safety of these stores, offering quick responses to any incidents or theft attempts. Additionally, age-restricted items, such as alcoholic beverages, will require bank identification for purchase.

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