In 2019, a new 24-hour bookstore opened in north China's Xiongan New Area. The brick-and-mortar destination was peculiar as it had no staff and instead consumers required a membership to get in. New users are expected to swipe their ID cards and pass by facial recognition technology to register.
The entire environment of the 24-hour bookstore relies on the IoT and the 5G network, making this a tech-heavy and convenience-focused shopping experience. Guests of the business can turn to the store's app, which provides them with assistance when locating a specific title. One can pay for a book via the WeChat payment scanning code.
The 24-hour bookstore is part of a larger development -- "China's millennium green city."
Unmanned 24-Hour Bookstores
The Xinhua Bookstore Utilizes the 5G Network & Facial Recognition Tech
Trend Themes
1. Unmanned Bookstores - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced facial recognition technology and IoT integration for unmanned retail stores.
2. 5G Network in Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement 5G networks in brick-and-mortar stores for seamless connectivity and enhanced customer experience.
3. Convenient Shopping Experience - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create mobile apps that offer personalized assistance and easy payment options for a more convenient shopping experience.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement unmanned retail stores with advanced technology for an efficient and cost-effective operation.
2. Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and enhance facial recognition technology and IoT integration for various industries.
3. Mobile Payment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop secure and user-friendly mobile payment platforms for seamless transactions in retail and other industries.