"Unmanned at Night" ... Emart24 Expands Hybrid Stores

Increase in Franchise Sales + Enhancement of Customer Convenience

Customers are going through an authentication process to enter the Emart24 hybrid store.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Emart24 announced on the 1st that it will expand its hybrid stores where customers can use the self-checkout system even if the store is closed during late-night hours.

The hybrid store allows franchise owners to easily switch between staffed and self-service modes by simply pressing a button on a dedicated mobile app.

While enhancing operational convenience, security was also emphasized. Sensors attached to the store entrance doors and equipment recognize signals sent from the mobile app, automatically locking or unlocking the entrance doors, backroom (convenience store warehouse and office space), and refrigerated displays containing alcoholic beverages such as soju and beer. Fire detectors inside the store send push notifications to the owner’s mobile app if any abnormal signs are detected, and if the temperature of the freezing equipment exceeds a certain level, an immediate alert message is sent to the owner.

Heat and motion detection cameras and speakers are installed inside and outside the store. When a customer approaches the convenience store entrance during late-night hours, the system detects this and plays a message through the access authentication device explaining how to enter the unmanned convenience store.

During the hours when the store operates as unmanned, the purchase of alcoholic beverages or cigarettes is not allowed. If a customer enters the store counter area where cigarettes are displayed, a warning light turns on, an access restriction message is broadcast, and a real-time push notification is sent to the owner’s mobile app. These hybrid stores are equipped with eight closed-circuit televisions (CCTV), twice the number found in regular stores.

Emart24 has also advanced beyond systems that allow entry through credit/debit cards and Samsung/LG Pay authentication by establishing a system that enables entry using a 'Naver Access Pass' in the form of a QR barcode via the Naver app. Starting from the 6th, entry will also be possible through the 'KakaoTalk Wallet' QR code.

An Emart24 official explained, "In addition to credit and debit cards, payments at the self-checkout counters can be made using various mobile payment methods including SSG Pay," adding, "We have established a mobile authentication system that allows customers to enter the convenience store and make payments with just a smartphone, without the need to carry a wallet during late-night hours."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.