LG Uplus Corp., LG Corporation’s telecommunications arm, opened its first unmanned, contactless store as part of its non-face-to-face innovation strategies. The cellular carrier introduced the ‘U+Untact Store,’ which operates without retail workers, to tackle the change in consumption trends and reduce physical contact for extra safety and efficiency. Due to the pandemic, LG Uplus speedily reorganized its system and business operations, heading the growing non-face-to-face service innovation.
Whereas most existing unmanned stores only provide USIM opening and device changing, LG Uplus gives customers access to more benefits. Once customers enter the site, U+Untact Store issues QR code tickets, enabling them to authenticate and track their transactions. Additionally, LG Uplus stated that its unmanned store is open 24 hours a day thanks to AI robot assistance. However, it also offers in-person customer services and staff consultation during selected periods.
Innovative Contactless Services
LG Uplus’s unmanned store, located in central Seoul’s Jongno District, offers customers a diverse function and service range. Aside from incorporating electronic kiosks, U+Untact Store uses advanced automation technology, enhancing contactless customer services and promoting digital technologies.
Moreover, some of the services customers can perform in the contactless store include creating new LG Uplus registrations and more. For instance, users can purchase smartphones and corresponding installment periods, choose pay plans, modify data subscriptions, and change phone numbers. Using the issued QR codes, customers can also receive purchased goods through a storage locker. U+Untact Store allows customers unfamiliar with the kiosks and services to call help centers or employees for guidance.
“We are pursuing non-face-to-face channel innovation to meet increasingly diversified customer usage patterns and needs,” said Lim Kyung-Hoon, Head of LG Uplus’ Consumer Sales Division. “By continuing to provide customer experience-centered services, we will secure true customer appreciation.” Lim also added that the company established the unmanned store to address customers’ preferences and the need for contactless services.
In addition to opening its first unmanned store, the South Korean telecom company plans to launch the U+Shop, an online shopping platform that incorporates Naver’s simple authentication and payment services. The mobile service provider also plans to expand its digital competitiveness and capabilities to support its users’ digital-centered needs. To this end, LG Uplus will open four more unmanned stores within this year in Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju.
