On Monday online retailer JD.com opened two new stores in the Netherlands, one in Leiden and one in Rotterdam; two more in Amsterdam and Utrecht are to follow. These are the first stationary stores that the Chinese supplier has opened in Europe so far. Far more unusual, however, is something else, namely that the shops are run entirely by robots.
The name of the shops – “Ochama” – gives an indication, as it was formed from the words “Omni-channel” and “amazing”. The new business model introduces an unprecedented shopping format, in which online orders and pick-up shops, in which robots prepare the parcels, combine with a home delivery service.
Ochama offers food and non-food products
In addition, Ochama is the first omnichannel retailer in the Netherlands to offer both groceries and non-groceries in one shopping app: Customers can purchase fresh and packaged groceries, household appliances, beauty products, products for mother and child, fashion and home furnishings and shop more.
The omnichannel model enables them to conveniently order products online using the Ochama app. However, customers can choose whether they want to visit the pick-up shop’s showroom to get to know the product range better, or whether they want to use the delivery service the next day.
Customers can follow the order process live
In view of an automated warehouse that is part of the futuristic pick-up shop, one can imagine that the new format will quickly become an attraction, because customers can watch a fleet of robots by scanning a QR code of the app at the checkout. who put their order together and then track it on the conveyor belt. Part of the fleet are so-called AGVs (automated ground vehicles) and robotic arms that select, sort and transport goods.
“With the rich experience in retail and the most modern logistics technologies that the company has accumulated over the years, we want to create an unprecedented shopping format with better prices and better service for customers in Europe,” commented Pass Lei, General Manager of Ochama, JD Worldwide, in a communication.
According to Ochama COO Mark den Butter, making full use of the technologies in logistics and supply chain management should lower costs so that the company can cut product prices by an additional 10 percent.
“& gt;
Why the Netherlands?
Why did the Chinese online retailer choose the Netherlands as the location for the first automated shops? “Dutch people are passionate about innovation and a green environment, and the Ochama shopping format aims to contribute to both,” explained Butter. “There will be no queues and fewer traffic jams because you can buy everything in one shop at Ochama.”
In addition, the Netherlands is one of the most urbanized countries in Europe. According to World Bank data, 92 percent of the Dutch population lived in cities with a polycentric urban structure in 2020, which led to Ochama’s decision to initially open stores in four Dutch cities.
Alibaba bought 1,000 delivery robots in 2021
In China, at least, the robot model is far less futuristic than in Europe, as competitor Alibaba, for example, is already using it diligently. Last year the group acquired 1,000 self-driving delivery robots to deliver online orders in urban areas and university towns. They pick up parcels from a courier service on site and bring them to the desired address.
Even if the robots are not yet able to climb stairs, sidewalks and elevators no longer create obstacles. You can deliver around 50 parcels at once and deliver up to 500 boxes in a day, and loading them once prepares them for 100 kilometers.