#Japan #Nagoya #HOUSEI #Sanyodo #Smart Store

HOUSEI's Unmanned Store Solution Transforming Sanyodo Bookstores

HOUSEI Corporation, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has successfully partnered with Sanyodo Bookstore, a subsidiary of Sanyodo Holdings located in Nagoya, to implement its innovative unmanned store solution. This leap forward adds another layer of technology to the retail sector, marking a significant milestone in retail efficiency and customer experience.

New Operations Model

Starting in April 2024, Sanyodo Bookstore will begin to operate smart unmanned services in 39 of its 66 locations. These stores will employ AI face recognition technology to ensure safety and efficiency during operational hours. The expectation is that this transformation will not only streamline store management but also enhance sales performance and customer satisfaction.

Extended Operating Hours

For example, the Sanyodo Bookstore in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, will switch to a smart unmanned schedule and will remain open from 21:00 to 24:00, after its normal hours of 9:00 to 21:00. In a similar vein, the Daianji store in Nara will feature unmanned hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and 21:00 to 24:00—essentially providing 24/7 access for book lovers.

A Response to Changing Times

Sanyodo Bookstore has expressed excitement over the potential transformation brought on by this smart unmanned service. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic-induced reduction in operating hours, the chain aims to create a thrilling, always-open environment where customers can discover new books at any hour. They have ambitious plans for introducing more smart unmanned bookstores shortly.

Current Deployment of Smart Unmanned Operations

As of now, 39 locations of the 66 stores have shifted to a smart unmanned model using HOUSEI’s AI face recognition solution, WelcomID. The list of stores includes:

• - 24-Hour Unmanned Stores: Kuwana, Yomogi, Shimoedoto, Toyokawa, Hekinan, Yamato, Hishino, Minokamo, Handa, Toki, Ume坪, Takato, Honmatsu, and others.
• - Unmanned Closing Stores: Ishioka, Yoro, Obama, Ikuku, Nakatsugawa, Nabari, Kaguyama, and more.
• - Unmanned Opening & Closing Stores: Seki East, Shinkan, Kiyosu, and Daianji, among others.

About HOUSEI’s Unmanned Store Solution

HOUSEI's unmanned store solution employs cutting-edge AI and IT technology to provide operational support for various industries, tackling challenges such as contactless shopping, workforce reform, and labor shortages. The solutions include door unlocking via facial recognition, web membership booking services, surveillance, and cashless payment services—effectively enabling a wide variety of unmanned retail and service operations, from bookstores to gyms.

This transformative technology has already garnered attention from various sectors, as evidenced in indoor golf facilities in Tokyo that operate completely unmanned, with access granted to members booking specific time slots.

Looking Ahead

HOUSEI continues to seek partners for sales and construction to further expand the reach of its unmanned store solutions. Key contact points can be found on their official website, providing easy access for interested parties.

For further insights, a conversation between Sanyodo's President Kazuhiro Kato and former HOUSEI President Kan Shoo-kong is also available online, highlighting the vision and trajectory of their partnership.

Company Information

• - Sanyodo Holdings: Headquartered in Nagoya, Sanyodo Holdings is a significant player in the Japanese book retail landscape.
• - HOUSEI Corporation: With a mission to enhance the Japanese retail experience, HOUSEI stands on the frontier of innovation with its solutions.

For more information, visit Sanyodo Holdings and HOUSEI.