LG Uplus launches its unmanned store in South Korea

LG Uplus Corp revealed its first store in South Korea that is being operated without any staff to assist the customers. The country’s third-largest mobile service provider opened this type of unmanned store in Seoul.

As per The Korea Herald, LG Uplus shared the news on Monday, March 22, and with this shop, the company joins the list of major firms that offer services in the country with minimal physical contact with people. Apparently, the move and new store concept were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The unmanned retail shop for mobile gadgets

In this time when people around the world are being warned about the spread and infection of coronavirus, social distancing has become a rule that should not be ignored. Governments around the world are also making sure that citizens will follow this policy by implementing harsh penalties for offenders.

Now, since social distancing is almost becoming the norm today in public places, LG Uplus designed its own unmanned store to keep up with the policy as well as make sure that the public will be safe when visiting to buy or avail any of its services.

People can find this LG Uplus store in Jongno district in Seoul. The outlet has digital kiosks that let customers buy new smartphones, change their data plans or obtain USIM cards without being assisted by staff.

How the staff-less store works

LG Uplus customers are given special QR codes that they can simply use in the unmanned store kiosks to avail of any service. If they are buying a phone, the purchased units are being dispensed through the storage locker.

Aju Business Daily further shared that LG Uplus staff-less store is open all day and night. It is operating with assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. Customers are also asked to authenticate themselves for any transaction by using passwords and their fingerprints.

As for the QR codes, these are immediately issued once the customer inputs his or her mobile phone number at the store entrance of the LG Uplus.

"With experience-oriented services that customers see, hear and feel, we will try to gain genuine sympathy from customers and secure true fans," Im Kyung Hoon, LG Uplus’ consumer business division head, said in a statement. “A call system for counselors will be provided for customers who are not familiar with using unmanned shops.”

Meanwhile, LG Uplus is aiming to open more unmanned stores this year. It is targeting Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwanju for the locations.