Auchan has announced the opening of its first staffless smart store in Hungary, located at the corner of Bártfai Street and Vahot Street in Budapest's Újbuda district.

Utilizing the OkAuchan mobile application, customers can access the 18 square meters store anytime, purchase items, pay, and leave without the need for physical staff interaction.

This innovative retail format is gaining popularity in Western Europe and the US due to its round-the-clock convenience.

The store operates through an AI-driven camera system and weight-sensing shelves, with entry and shopping facilitated by the OkAuchan app.

Auchan is ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in store operations.

In addition to the store setup, the company plans to enhance the surrounding environment by planting trees and shrubs and refurbishing the nearby sidewalk.

The area will be further protected from vehicles by strategically placed rocks, which complement the store's wooden facade.

Environmental interventions are planned for March, depending on weather conditions.

Auchan's Go store model targets three primary customer groups: families frequenting the adjacent park and playground, athletes, and local residents.

The selection includes snacks and beverages for families, isotonic drinks and energy bars for athletes, and essential groceries for locals.

Products suitable for those with food intolerances will also be available.

However, alcohol and age-restricted items will not be sold.

Popular private-label products from Auchan's range will be stocked.

This experimental initiative marks a new direction for Auchan Hungary, aiming to expand the format to multiple locations.

According to Attila Nagy, Auchan Hungary's sales director, the company will uniquely offer both the smallest and largest retail outlets in Hungary, with the smart store's 18 sqm contrasting with the 1500 sqm hypermarket in Dunakeszi.