Self-checkout kiosks adopted by Xiamen Seashine Group attract attention at the 2019 International Intelligence Retail Summit Conference held in Xiamen, Fujian, on May 30 and 31. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

The growing popularity and need for self-checkouts in the retail space is being embraced by the public at large. 

Xiamen residents are no exception. Seashine Group, a top 10 local State-owned enterprise which has followed and even led the trend in its chain supermarkets, has been embracing self-checkouts in its stores. 

At the 2019 International Intelligence Retail Summit Conference held in Xiamen on May 30 and 31, the group attracted much attention due to its self-checkout solutions and the accessible environment they create. 

A self-purchasing kiosk designed for customers who intend to do a lot of shopping was a highlight of the event. The equipment revamps the traditional point-of-sale transaction process by allowing customers to scan products, calculate totals and pay through their phones. 

Other customers who want a limited amount of items just need a phone to seal their deals. They need to first scan the product barcodes and pay, after which they will get a barcode of their payment that they can verify at self-checkout kiosks or barcode scanners before leaving. 

The methods, which provide a swift and elegant experience, are welcomed by consumers, especially the younger generations. Retailers are also supporting solutions for reducing hardware and labor costs and speeding up checkout lines. 

Visitors try the self-checkout machine at the booth of Seashine Group at the 2019 International Intelligence Retail Summit Conference. [Photo/seashine.cn]

Such smart and convenient shopping experiences were conceived through the cooperation between Seashine and Dmall Life Network Technology Co, a Beijing-based smart digital retail solutions provider. 

Their partnership began last year to accelerate the transformation of Seashine from a traditional retail enterprise towards a more digitized direction. Dmall has infused new momentum into Seashine with its technologies, operation pattern and localization experience. 

The online shopping system was their latest offering, via which consumers can use their phone to order at 35 Seashine stores. The paired delivery service, available since Jan 11, also covers all the districts of Xiamen. 

Seashine has been dedicated to expanding outlets of chain fresh supermarkets to benefit communities, and has built a "10-minute circle" which enables local residents to be within a 10-minute walk of nearby shopping areas. At present, Seashine stores that are also accessible on apps cover residents within a radius of 3 kilometers. 

In the future, Seashine will actively integrate a fresh supply chain to develop its own brand and expand its self-operated businesses. Its goal is to create a regional supply chain platform.

Seashine stores offer complete product lines. [Photo/seashine.cn]