WeChat opens first unmanned store in Shanghai

WeChat has opened its first staff-less store in Shanghai from January 20 to February 4, with no additional plans to continue the test.

The store, called WeLive, works entirely through the WeChat application that allows users access in the store and payments functionalities. The store features a limited number of groceries and merchandise like clothes, chocolates, calendars, sofas, bicycles and flowers.

Shoppers choose what items they want to buy and then proceed to the “payment zone” where the system recognizes and scans the products and calculates the total. The user pays receipt with WeChat Pay and then leaves the store. 

WeChat plans to keep the store open for a short period, during which it can test the concept. Alibaba has also tested unmanned stores with Tao Cafe, which had to close after five days due to ‘technical problems.’