The New Frontier in Retail: AVITA and Fainders.AI
In a significant move towards transforming the retail landscape, AVITA Inc., based in Tokyo, has teamed up with the South Korean company Fainders.AI. This collaboration marks the beginning of a trial initiative focusing on AI-powered solutions designed specifically for unmanned stores. The project aims to address pressing issues in the retail sector, significantly enhanced by the rising trend of AI technology.
Addressing Labor Shortages
As both Japan and South Korea grapple with aging populations and declining birth rates, the resulting labor shortage continues to pose a critical challenge. In particular, the retail and service sectors have been particularly affected, necessitating innovative solutions to maintain operational efficiency. The rise of unmanned stores is a key response to this challenge, prompting the need for enhanced customer service solutions.
For the trial, Fainders.AI, known for its cutting-edge AI technology, will implement AVITA's avatar-based assistant service, AVACOM, in an unmanned store located in the heart of Seoul. This technology aims to streamline customer interactions by handling essential services such as processing returns and exchanges, providing store directions, and addressing customer inquiries during issues that may arise. The goal is to create a smoother shopping experience that meets the evolving needs of consumers.
New Retail Solutions with Advanced Technology
This collaboration embodies the spirit of innovation cultivated by startups in both Japan and South Korea. By combining their respective strengths—AVITA's experience in avatar solutions and Fainders.AI's expertise in vision AI technology—the two companies aspire to construct a next-generation retail model. Fainders.AI has previously utilized its Vision AI technology, which interprets visual data to track movements of people and products, offering a solid foundation for AI-powered stores in various international markets.
Trial Details
- - Duration: From February 18 to August 17, 2025 (6 months)
- - Location: SuperSwift, 1337-6, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- - Services Offered:
- AI avatar-assisted customer interactions
- Guidance for returns and exchanges
- Store navigation and initial issue resolution
- Multilingual support tailored for both Japanese and Korean customers
The deployment will feature various avatar interactions designed to enhance customer engagements, making the technology visually captivating as well as functionally supportive.
A Step Towards International Collaboration
This initiative is not just a project; it symbolizes a crucial collaboration between Japan and South Korea in tackling shared social challenges. Both companies envision establishing a co-creation model that leverages multilingual support and cultural understanding. Additionally, AVITA and Fainders.AI are looking towards expanding this model into other Asian markets, revealing the broader potential of their joint endeavors.
The AVACOM Avatar Service
AVACOM, developed by AVITA, represents a leap forward in retail interaction by using avatars and generative AI to improve online customer service. Responsive to various platforms, it has demonstrated significant success in boosting sales through enhanced engagement on websites while addressing the issue of labor shortages effectively. Since its launch in 2022, the service has already seen hundreds of implementations, reinforcing customer connections and aiding in operational efficiency.
This initiative introduces the concept of ‘Avatar Workers', allowing staff to operate from remote locations, thus redefining employment in the digital age.
About Fainders.AI
Operating under the mission of providing convenience for customers and enhanced profitability for stores, Fainders.AI has emerged as a pioneering player in the AI-based retail solutions market. Its ambitious roadmap includes a goal of expanding to over 300 stores globally by 2027, with current operations spanning South Korea and Singapore.
About AVITA
AVITA operates with the vision of advancing humanity through avatar technology. By fostering an inclusive work environment free from conventional limitations regarding appearance, gender, age, or location, AVITA seeks to enable everyone to thrive across various societal sectors.
With the successful completion of this trial period, both AVITA and Fainders.AI are optimistic about shaping an innovative and collaborative retail future that not only addresses immediate industry needs but is also sustainable in the long run.