World Franchise Council Visits Emart24 Smart Convenience Store

Members of the World Franchise Council visiting Emart24 Smart COEX store are receiving an explanation. (Photo by Emart24)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Emart24 announced on the 20th that members of the World Franchise Council (WFC) visited the Smart COEX store to experience the Korean-style future convenience store.

The day before, over 30 members from around the world including Europe, Central and South America, Oceania, and Asia visited the Emart24 Smart COEX store located inside Starfield COEX in Seoul and toured the store guided by a representative from Shinsegae I&C.

The Emart24 Smart COEX store, opened in September last year through collaboration between Emart24 and Shinsegae I&C, is a fully smart store implementing automatic payment technology by utilizing Shinsegae I&C’s retail tech such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, sensor fusion, voice recognition, and cloud POS.

Customers can enter the store by authenticating with a credit (or debit) card and receiving an entry QR code via a kiosk installed at the store entrance. They simply pick up the desired products and leave the store, and automatic payment is processed with the initially authenticated card. Entry and payment are also possible through the Emart24 application (app) or SSG Pay.

Moreover, the Emart24 Smart COEX store analyzes customer behavior using AI cameras and sensors, and shelf weight sensors recognize whether customers have picked up products to determine the final purchase decision. Computer vision can detect normal purchase situations as well as abnormal situations such as a sudden customer collapse. It can also recognize screams like “Help me” or “Save me,” ensuring not only payment convenience but also response to security threats.

An Emart24 official said, “We feel honored to introduce the Emart24 Smart COEX store representing franchise brands to global franchise stakeholders,” adding, “Through Emart24 stores, showcasing the future convenience store integrated with Shinsegae I&C’s retail tech will be an opportunity to promote the excellence and technological capabilities of Korean franchises.”

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