TOKYO: Major Japanese convenience store operator FamilyMart Co. plans to launch about 1,000 outlets with an unmanned checkout counter by the end of fiscal 2024, it has been learned.

The unit of major Japanese trader Itochu Corp. will open such outlets mainly in depopulated areas with not many retail stores and in front of train stations because they can be operated at low costs and set up on limited spaces.

FamilyMart aims to leverage the stores for its business growth although the domestic convenience store market has been saturated.

At the stores with an unmanned checkout system, cameras installed on the ceiling and sensors on the shelves recognize products picked by customers, who pay for the items using a dedicated terminal.

The company decided to fully launch the type of store after confirming no problems at such stores opened in Tokyo earlier.

Costs for opening the stores will be relatively high due in part to the installation of the cameras and sensors.

But operating costs can be cut substantially. Personnel costs will be low because the stores only need workers who receive supplies of goods and replenish shelves.

JIJI Press