Hamburg-based startup Autonomo opens cashierless supermarket
On August 18, the world's first cashierless organic market opened in Hamburg's Eppendorf district. It is called HOODY and is a development of the Hamburg-based startup Autonomo, the first German company to implement an autonomous store.
To enter the HOODY store, customers scan an app at the entrance; after that, sophisticated technology does most of the work. Instead of cash registers and cashiers, customers can expect community managers, almost continuous opening hours and a high-quality organic assortment for a fast, contactless and convenient shopping experience.
No waiting at the checkout with HOODY
The name HOODY is derived from the English word "neighborhood". The idea behind the new store concept is to strengthen a sense of local togetherness. When shopping, customers put together their desired goods as usual and can leave the store without having to queue at a checkout. Payment is processed via the app.
If customers have any questions about the product range or the technology, staff are on hand to help. The goods are recorded by a technology that uses cameras, among other things. It anonymously assigns products to people when something is packed or put back. A receipt is also sent automatically after the goods leave the store. The technology is GDPR-compliant and guarantees the protection of privacy, Autonomo assures.
Autonomo has a lot of experience and initial funding in the millions
Behind the startup is an experienced team of 30 people. They include CEO and Harvard alumni James Sutherland, Patrick Mueller-Sarmiento, former long-time CEO of Metro/real, Pradeep Vallat, an experienced tech entrepreneur, Ralf Frenzel, an entrepreneur and expert in retail food concepts, and other experts in retail, food and autonomous technologies. Autonomo raised 2.2 million euros in a pre-seed funding round. Further stores in Germany are planned for 2022 and international expansion in 2023. Initial agreements with retail partners have already been signed.
