German retailer REWE Group has recently opened a new 1,200 square-metre store in Hamburg that features its Pick&Go technology. This store, located in Hoheluftchaussee, is said to be Europe’s largest computer vision-supported outlet. The innovative store offers various cashless payment options to shoppers. Customers can choose from four payment methods – cashierless payment using Pick&Go via app, scanning and paying at the self-checkout terminal, computer vision support without scanning, or using the traditional cash register.
The retail group is also planning to open a second store in Hamburg at Altonaerstraße this summer, which will also offer Pick&Go technology to all customers. Store manager Joschua Zimmermann expressed that by streamlining the checkout process, the store team can focus on providing better customer service, maintaining the product range, and offering advice to customers.
REWE Group initially tested this technology in stores in Cologne, Berlin, Munich, and Düsseldorf before rolling it out to all consumers. The technology used in the store places a strong focus on data protection, ensuring that the images captured by customers are processed sparingly and are only used to enable checkout-free shopping in a hybrid store. The system records data to identify products taken out or put back, without using facial recognition technology or being able to identify customers after they leave the store.
Trigo Vision Ltd, a computer-vision technology solutions provider, has partnered with REWE Group for this project. Trigo’s solution creates a 3D model of a supermarket to digitally map the environment and movements within it, allowing customers to select items and walk out with them while maintaining their privacy. This innovative technology is transforming the shopping experience for customers at REWE Group’s stores.