The opening of Qatar’s first and the region’s second cashier less, check-out free store - LuLu Express at Hamad International Airport Metro Station - aligns with “digital transformation”, which is a key component of the Qatar National Vision 2030, noted Dr Mohamed Althaf, Director, LuLu Group International.
Speaking to Gulf Times yesterday, Althaf said the “store is a new concept in that it provides lot of data that helps LuLu better understand its customer needs and serve them.”
“This is the first such store in our entire global network. Powered by Commercial Bank’s fintech team, it can accept all kinds of payments. Right now, only credit cards, both local and international, will be accepted. In future, we can do credit and debit cards, Apple payments and transactions based on biometric and facial recognition,” he said.
Althaf noted, “This is more than a cashier less, check out free store. We already have the technology for self-checkout. It is available in LuLu outlets across Qatar.
“For us, this is a learning experience. This technology helps us know more about machine learning and artificial intelligence and how it can influence our store layouts in future. Customer data gathered help us know more about our customers and their needs. I believe this is our digital lab.”
He said the store can be accessed based on the Metro timings. The opening of more such stores across Qatar will be considered.
LuLu’s inventory management will address issues such as replenishing stuff at the store, he said.
“The technology leadership taken by Commercial Bank has made the implementation fast, and they are always in the forefront when it comes to adoption of the latest fin-tech”.
“The synergy between LuLu Group, and Commercial Bank for digital transformation and knowledge-based economy are in the spirit of the Qatar National Vision 2030”, he added.
The LuLu cashier-less experience is similar to convenience store concepts in the US. LuLu Express is equipped with multiple cameras mounted in the ceiling and are powered by a combination of computer vision and machine learning to follow the shopper’s movement inside the store.
These cameras use accurate tracking technology to identify shoppers through their body structure, and they do not record any facial recognition or biometric data.
Although cashier-less, the store will have staff who will help customers find items on the shelves, restock and perform other operational activities, in addition to answering queries addressing concerns if any.
