A completely unmanned food mart has opened in Sweden. The 24-hour food and convenience store in Vilken has no need for cashiers or customer service representatives. Using smartphones and food labeling technology, this store can change the way consumers shop and purchase goods.

Purchases through Barcode Labeling

A prospective shopper can use a special app to unlock the door and enter the market. In order to make a purchase, a customer can use his or her smartphone to scan the product label. All of the relevant information for the purchase will show up by scanning the Barcode labeling. Payments are made directly through the store app. Security cameras are mount throughout the store to discourage any theft or vandalism,

Innovative Retail Model

Store owner Robert Ilijason came up with this innovative idea when he was feeding his infant son one night. When he spilled his baby food, Ilijason had to drive around in the middle of the night searching for a supermarket that was open. That incident inspired him to create a 24-hour store, and through the technology of food labeling he was able to design an efficient new retail model. So far the biggest challenge has been helping seniors grow accustomed to using the technology.

The Future of Food Labeling

Ilijason’s novel concept can be applie to any number of retail models. Self-checkout is nothing new, but allowing customers to make purchases entirely through their mobile devices, while cutting down on overhead by not requiring any in-store staff, is truly unique. This innovation shows the importance of food labeling technology, and the ways it can be applied to solve problems in the retail and food service sectors.