In China, Amazon’s ‘store of the future’ is already open

Amazon showed off its automated Go grocery store concept at the end of last year, but a few months later postponed any actual shop openings.

One Chinese startup, however, is steaming ahead with its own version – and has already opened a handful of staffless convenience stores where customers open the door and pay the bill with their phone.

This is a typical Bingobox store. Last month, the startup opened its first outlet in Shanghai after a few months of testing in its home city, Zhongshan, in southern China.

Screengrab from Bingobox video.

A shopper opens the door – and registers with the startup – through WeChat, the popular messaging app.

From Bingobox video; GIF by Tech in Asia.

Although small, the Bingobox store stocks hundreds of items – including a small selection of fresh foods.

From Bingobox video; GIF by Tech in Asia.

The customer has to scan each item’s barcode.

Screengrab from Bingobox video.

And then pay on their phone, either via WeChat or Alibaba’s mobile wallet app, Alipay.

Watch: Self-driving grocery store hits China