Introducing HOUSEI's Innovative Unmanned Store Solutions to Sanyo-do Bookstore
Recently, HOUSEI Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company specializing in AI face recognition solutions, announced its partnership with Sanyo-do Holdings to provide unmanned store solutions for their bookstores. This collaboration specifically targets the Sanyo-do Bookstore locations in Nakatsugawa and Takato, both situated in Gifu Prefecture. With this integration, the number of Sanyo-do bookstores utilizing HOUSEI's technology is expected to rise to 18 by April 2024, greatly contributing to operational efficiency, reduced staff workload, and increased sales.
Beginning June 9, 2025, Sanyo-do Bookstore in Nakatsugawa will transition to a differentiated operating model. The regular staffed hours will be from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while the smart unmanned hours will extend from 9:00 PM to midnight. This means the bookstore will operate without staff from 9 PM onwards.
The Takato location will follow a similar pattern, with regular hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and smart unmanned operation starting at 9:00 PM and continuing until 10:00 AM the next day. This makes Takato a fully 24-hour operating store, allowing customers the flexibility to explore the bookstore at their leisure.
Sanyo-do Bookstore expresses enthusiastic optimism about the implementation of smart unmanned operations. They believe that this system will not only uplift customer experiences but also help in breaking away from the ongoing trend of decreased operating hours post-COVID-19. The idea is to create an inviting atmosphere filled with excitement, providing patrons with the opportunity to enjoy new book encounters at any hours they choose. There are plans to open even more smart unmanned stores in the future, further expanding this innovative approach.
Among Sanyo-do’s 68 stores, 18 have already adopted HOUSEI's AI face recognition solution, WelcomID, to facilitate unmanned operations. Currently, the following stores operate as fully unmanned or have dedicated unmanned hours:
This approach leverages the convenience of face recognition technology to enhance customer experience while addressing challenges such as labor shortages and customer service transformations.
HOUSEI's unmanned store solution is an innovative service that harnesses AI and IT to support streamlined store operations. It addresses diverse challenges including contactless customer service, work style reform, and labor shortages. Key features include automated unlocking of entrance doors through facial recognition, web booking systems for members, surveillance services, and cashier-less payment solutions—facilitating unmanned operations across various industries including bookstores, gyms, and spas.
For instance, there’s a fully unmanned indoor golf training facility in Tokyo that employs member booking management services and access-controlled doors, ensuring a completely autonomous operation around the clock. The company is currently seeking partners for sales and construction, urging interested parties to explore further details through their official site.
More information can be obtained by visiting HOUSEI's official site.
A recent dialogue featuring the CEOs of Sanyo-do and HOUSEI sheds light on their strategic partnership and future initiatives to be unveiled on this platform.
Sanyo-do Holdings
HOUSEI Co., Ltd.
HOUSEI is dedicated to driving digital transformation (DX) as a partner through its four primary business pillars: media services, professional service solutions, products, and overseas IT ventures. The company also actively promotes open innovation, seeking collaborative partners for development and sales.
Store Operating Hours and Transformations
Beginning June 9, 2025, Sanyo-do Bookstore in Nakatsugawa will transition to a differentiated operating model. The regular staffed hours will be from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while the smart unmanned hours will extend from 9:00 PM to midnight. This means the bookstore will operate without staff from 9 PM onwards.
The Takato location will follow a similar pattern, with regular hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and smart unmanned operation starting at 9:00 PM and continuing until 10:00 AM the next day. This makes Takato a fully 24-hour operating store, allowing customers the flexibility to explore the bookstore at their leisure.
Comments from Sanyo-do Bookstore
Sanyo-do Bookstore expresses enthusiastic optimism about the implementation of smart unmanned operations. They believe that this system will not only uplift customer experiences but also help in breaking away from the ongoing trend of decreased operating hours post-COVID-19. The idea is to create an inviting atmosphere filled with excitement, providing patrons with the opportunity to enjoy new book encounters at any hours they choose. There are plans to open even more smart unmanned stores in the future, further expanding this innovative approach.
Current Status of Smart Unmanned Operations
Among Sanyo-do’s 68 stores, 18 have already adopted HOUSEI's AI face recognition solution, WelcomID, to facilitate unmanned operations. Currently, the following stores operate as fully unmanned or have dedicated unmanned hours:
- - 24-hour unmanned operation: Nakatsugawa, Yomogi, Shimokado, Toyokawa, Hekinan, Yamato, Hishino, Minokamo, Handa, Toki, Ume-tsubo, and Takato.
- - Unmanned closing: Isoaka, Yoro, Obama, Ikukua, and Nakatsugawa.
- - Unmanned opening and closing: Seki East store.
This approach leverages the convenience of face recognition technology to enhance customer experience while addressing challenges such as labor shortages and customer service transformations.
What is HOUSEI's Unmanned Store Solution?
HOUSEI's unmanned store solution is an innovative service that harnesses AI and IT to support streamlined store operations. It addresses diverse challenges including contactless customer service, work style reform, and labor shortages. Key features include automated unlocking of entrance doors through facial recognition, web booking systems for members, surveillance services, and cashier-less payment solutions—facilitating unmanned operations across various industries including bookstores, gyms, and spas.
For instance, there’s a fully unmanned indoor golf training facility in Tokyo that employs member booking management services and access-controlled doors, ensuring a completely autonomous operation around the clock. The company is currently seeking partners for sales and construction, urging interested parties to explore further details through their official site.
More information can be obtained by visiting HOUSEI's official site.
Executive Insights
A recent dialogue featuring the CEOs of Sanyo-do and HOUSEI sheds light on their strategic partnership and future initiatives to be unveiled on this platform.
Company Overviews
Sanyo-do Holdings
- - Headquarters: 18-22 Shinkai-cho, Mizuho City, Aichi Prefecture
- - CEO: Kazuhiro Kato
- - Company Links: IR Sanyo-do, Sanyo-do Bookstore
HOUSEI Co., Ltd.
- - Headquarters: 8-1 Tsukudo-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
- - CEO: Akihiro Kan
- - Company Links: HOUSEI, WelcomID
HOUSEI is dedicated to driving digital transformation (DX) as a partner through its four primary business pillars: media services, professional service solutions, products, and overseas IT ventures. The company also actively promotes open innovation, seeking collaborative partners for development and sales.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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