The Launch of Japan's First Unmanned Retail Store at the Riatto PA on March 24

The Launch of 'Riatto GO' - Japan's First Unmanned Retail Store

As of March 24, 2024, travelers along the E5 Dōō Expressway in Hokkaido will be greeted with a remarkable innovation in convenience and technology—the opening of 'Riatto GO', the very first unmanned retail store at Riatto Parking Area (PA). This venture has been made possible through a collaboration between NEXCO East Japan, Area Tract Co., and TOUCH TO GO, which aims to enhance the shopping experience for highway users.

Embracing Automation for Efficiency

Riatto GO represents a significant step towards automation at service areas (SA) and parking areas (PA). This initiative is particularly crucial as Japan faces an increasing shortage of personnel in various industries, especially in retail and hospitality sectors. By introducing this unmanned store format, the partners are testing a model that could be expanded across various locations throughout Hokkaido and potentially beyond.

A Variety of Local Delights

The store will feature a range of offerings, including onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, regional souvenirs, snacks, beverages, and ice cream—providing travelers with quick and delicious meal options as they journey through the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido. Customers will also enjoy the convenience of a cashless payment system enabling smooth and efficient transactions.

Operational Details and Future Projections

The retail space spans approximately 20 square meters, and its operational hours are set from 9 AM to 7 PM during winter months (December to March) and 8 AM to 8 PM from April to November. Additionally, a soft-serve ice cream counter is included within the store to tempt customers craving a sweet treat.

Seamless Shopping Experience

Shopping at Riatto GO is designed to be straightforward. Shoppers can select their desired items from the shelves and proceed to the unmanned checkout, where a display screen facilitates a prompt review and payment process, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Building on Success

Riatto GO is part of a broader trend where unmanned retail solutions are being tested across various expressways in Japan. Only a few months earlier, on November 21, 2023, the first unmanned store was launched at the Tōbu Yu no Maru SA, followed by the opening of 'Hasuda GO' on March 27, 2024. Each implementation of unmanned stores is a trial to mitigate labor shortages while maintaining high standards of customer service.

Looking Ahead

With the introduction of Riatto GO, NEXCO East Japan and its partners are committed to researching the effectiveness of such unmanned operations. Their goal is to establish sustainable models that can adapt to future demands and potentially revolutionize the way consumers interact with services along Japan's highways.

Visitors to Hokkaido can look forward to this innovative development at Riatto PA, contributing to an efficient and memorable travel experience through one of Japan's most beautiful regions.