Auchan Retail China is entering the second phase of developing a fully phygital – that is, blending the physical and digital – point of sale in Shanghai, with Chinese electronics company Hisense.
The French retail group’s Chinese arm has joined forces with the state-owned electronics company to develop Auchan Minute, a 100% phygital retail experience.
After a testing phase during the summer, the retailer is now rolling out Auchan Minute, which has no staff members, as all payments are conducted via smartphone. Customers scan a QR code at the door to enter, and then scan products with their phones, adding them to a virtual basket. Shoppers verify their purchases and complete payment online before leaving the store.