A revolutionary largest smart shop has opened in Leiria. This is the first Continente Bom Dia shop that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Customers can pay for their products without scanning them manually.
The CEO of MC Luís Moutinho is the company behind this project called it a shop like no other. He said it is the largest intelligent shop in the world. The launch also marks the 40th anniversary of the Continente brand.
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Largest Smart Shop In Leiria: Bom Dia
The Bom Dia Leiria São Romão store was built with an investment of six million euros. A Portuguese start-up that developed the AI technology out of this, 1.5 million euros were used for Sensei Tech. This shows MC support for innovation and local talent.
How The AI Technology Works
The Minister for Youth and Modernisation Margarida Balseiro Lopes attended the opening ceremony. She saw how the AI system works and how it changes the shopping experience.
Shopping in this store starts like any other. Customers pick their items as usual. At the checkout, they do not need to remove products from their baskets. The system automatically identifies the items. The bill is displayed instantly. Customers only need to make the payment.
Luís Moutinho explained:
The bill appears immediately. All you have to do is pay. Our dream is to surprise customers at the till. They don’t have to do anything.
This technology is developed by Sensei. It can recognize 12,000 different products. This ensures accuracy and a smooth shopping experience.
Traditional And Modern Shopping
The store combines advanced technology with traditional shopping. It has six smart checkouts and two manual tills. This makes sure that customers who prefer human interaction can still enjoy their visit.
Luís Moutinho said:
From the start, we wanted a hybrid shop. The experience should feel normal and calm
He assured that the new technology does not replace personal connections. Instead, it makes shopping easier.
Improved Security And Less Theft
The AI system also improves security. It records every product that customers pick. If someone does not pay for an item then the system detects it. This reduces theft significantly.
The CEO of Sensei Vasco Portugal said:
Our system is highly accurate. It can distinguish thousands of products.
This makes the store safer for both customers and staff.
Jobs And Customer Interaction
Many people worry that AI could replace jobs. However, MC has stated that this is not the case. The company remains one of the largest private employers in Portugal.
Luís Moutinho added:
MC employs 44,000 people. This store alone has 28 new colleagues
He emphasized that technology is not a threat to jobs. Instead, it is a tool to improve the shopping experience. The company also values social interactions with customers.
He said:
We don’t want to lose the human touch. Digital tools make our business easier but don’t replace personal connections
Big Investment In Leiria
The new store is a significant investment in the region. MC operates 17 shops in the Leiria district and employs 1,329 people there. The six-million-euro investment in this store shows MC’s commitment to the local economy.
The new store has received positive feedback from customers and experts. The AI technology is seen as a big step forward for the retail industry. It makes shopping faster and more convenient.
Customers enjoy the ease of shopping without scanning items. The hybrid model also caters to those who prefer traditional checkouts. This flexibility is a key strength of the store.
Experts believe that this store sets a new standard for retail. It shows how technology can improve efficiency and security. The success of this project will inspire similar stores in other locations.
The opening of the world’s largest smart shop in Leiria is a major milestone. The AI technology makes shopping faster, easier, and more secure. The hybrid model ensures that the store remains welcoming for all customers.
Luís Moutinho summed it up well:
We want to surprise our customers while keeping the human touch.
This store is a great example of how technology and tradition can work together. The Bom Dia Leiria shop shows what the future could look like as retail continues to evolve.
