Unattended stores: reach new markets and offer 24/7 convenience
Staffed store
Always has employees on site, usually with a self-checkout (SCO) area to streamline purchases.
Hybrid store
Combines staffed hours in high-traffic periods with unattended windows after hours. A controlled gate and SCO zone let customers shop independently when staff are off the floor.
Unattended store
Operates without staff interaction during open hours. Employees only manage maintenance and restocking tasks.
Basis (core) store
A standard supermarket or grocery setup, with 2,000 to 30,000 products covering up to 90% of everyday needs.
Satellite store
A smaller branch that uses the logistics and inventory of a main store, letting you expand into nearby areas without running a second full-scale operation.
Pop-up store
A semi-permanent or temporary location (container, pavilion, or unused building) that allows quick market testing with fewer building requirements.
Full assortment
Covers around 90% of typical daily needs, scaling from small outlets with 2,000 items to large stores with 30,000 or more.
Target group assortment
Focuses on fewer, high-demand items, such as quick meals, essentials, or snack and wellness products.
Special assortment
Highlights niche or local products (e.g., artisan foods, crafts, hardware), appealing to specific interests rather than broad needs.
Non-gated access and exit
The store uses a single door for both entry and exit, offering minimal control.
One gate access and exit
A gate prevents direct entry to the store area, and you can apply door open rules or direction controls.
One flow double-gated access and exit
The highest level of security, requiring customers to pass through two sequential gates. Each step confirms the correct action for a very secure flow.
Security is priority one
Unattended shops need reliable ways to oversee entry and protect inventory. A self-service environment does not mean sacrificing safety. Consider the following:
- Access control: Non-gated entry is more straightforward but offers limited oversight. Single-gate access requires customers to pass through one checkpoint, while double-gate flow enforces stricter screening at two consecutive points.
- Verified customers: Integrate apps like Vipps MobilePay so only authorized shoppers can unlock the store.
- Blocklisting: Keep out people who have repeatedly misbehaved.
- Fraud prevention: Watch out for unusual purchasing patterns, restricting purchases of certain items or requiring ID checks for age-limited products.
By combining entry-level rules with real-time monitoring, you maintain a safe environment for both customers and any staff who might come in for maintenance or restocking.
Read more about access, security and monitoring in our extended FAQ.
Let's try setting up your unattended or hybrid store (approx. 1-3 months)
Launching an unattended or hybrid store can be straightforward with the right location (including power access). If you can answer these questions, you are already one step further. Fill out the form and reach out to us. We'd love to help you find the right set-up for your unmanned store.
Ready to discover more?
If you want to see how unattended or hybrid retail might fit your strategy, or if you would like to explore the technology in person, visit our showroom!
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