Business Daily South Korea: Why are more stores going staff-free?
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Apr 8, 2025 In South Korea, a surge in unmanned stores reflects a response to a declining workforce. Retailers, from ice cream shops to bars, are embracing automation to tackle high staffing costs. This shift raises questions about job security amid worker protests. Younger generations favor self-service, challenging traditional business models. As trust in these staff-less systems grows, the future of retail in the country appears to be firmly rooted in technology and innovative strategies.
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Visiting Unmanned Stores
- David Cann visited unmanned stores in South Korea, including a late-night ice cream shop.
- These stores operate without staff, relying on automated kiosks for payment.
Sul24 Success Story
- Sung Nae Kim, founder of unmanned bar Sul24, shared his experience.
- Switching to an unmanned system increased his income significantly.
Wage and Labor Trends
- South Korea's minimum wage has risen rapidly, almost doubling in the last decade.
- This rise coincides with a decreasing workforce due to a declining birth rate.