Albert Heijn pilots fully digital convenience store | Progresiv
Albert Heijn is trialling a 14 sq m fully digital Albert Heijn to go convenience store. The new digitally enabled store offers an automatic, cashier-less payment service, alng with no scanning required technology for the items. The store is equipped with advanced computer vision and sensor technologies that allow shoppers to purchase items without needing to scan them in any way. Cameras track the movement of shoppers within the store and capture specific products as they are removed from the shelves, with other sensors sensing if a product is taken from the shelf or put back. The cameras and sensors work together to keep track of the products taken by shoppers, which are added to a virtual shopping basket. 
The new tiny store is developed around the concept of plug and play, which means stores can be easily opened even at temporary locations such as offices, university grounds or residential areas under construction that do not yet have shopping facilities. Additionally, these stores are can operate 24/7, providing convenience to those out very early or very late.
The digital AH to go store provides for a real Grab and Go experience, Albert Hein claims. The door opens automatically with shoppers’ debit/credit card and the payment is automatically deducted upon exit based on the items selected for purchase.
Albert Heijn has collaborated with AiFi and ING to develop this concept. AiFi is a technology company that specialises in automated store concepts while ING has developed the payment solution for the store and handles the fully automatic payment.
The pilot store is located in front of the head office in Zaandam and will be tested with employees over the next two months. The store is expected to be relocated to another location by the end of the year. (www.kantarretailiq.com)
