Can convenience stores become completely automated?

[MarathonMike]

Convenience store clerks are now risking their lives to make minimum wage. And then if they defend themselves, Leftist DAs are charging THEM with murder. Are we getting to the point that the lawlessness and danger have made convenience stores too dangerous to operate by humans? Or at least, too dangerous to allow the public inside?

Let's say that is the case. Could convenience stores then operate like giant vending machines with maybe one person to handle malfunctions, restocking etc. What do you think?

 

[Concerned American]

Convenience store clerks are now risking their lives to make minimum wage. And then if they defend themselves, Leftist DAs are charging THEM with murder. Are we getting to the point that the lawlessness and danger have made convenience stores too dangerous to operate by humans? Or at least, too dangerous to allow the public inside?

Let's say that is the case. Could convenience stores then operate like giant vending machines with maybe one person to handle malfunctions, restocking etc. What do you think?

Safety is a major concern, to be sure. But I think secondary is pilferage, theft and security.

 

[MarathonMike]

Safety is a major concern, to be sure. But I think secondary is pilferage, theft and security.

True. All good reasons to make convenience stores fully automated.

 

[EvilCat Breath]

The convenience store clerk that got roughed up by a shoplifting Michael Brown would go for total automation.

 

[candycorn]

yes

It will resemble a walk-in vending machine though. My vision for it is essentially one or two employees who will pick orders that are done via your cell phone and place the goods in a bag. The bag will then be placed in what amounts to an Amazon locker ("amazon locker" is just a description). You come by with your cell phone, open the locker, and take your stuff. Things like the fountain drinks and those disgusting burritos you can find there are going byebye.

 

[scruffy]

Convenience store clerks are now risking their lives to make minimum wage. And then if they defend themselves, Leftist DAs are charging THEM with murder. Are we getting to the point that the lawlessness and danger have made convenience stores too dangerous to operate by humans? Or at least, too dangerous to allow the public inside?

Let's say that is the case. Could convenience stores then operate like giant vending machines with maybe one person to handle malfunctions, restocking etc. What do you think?

How could they check the matricula consular when a young Mexican wants to buy beer?

(I'm in favor of the Tokyo solution, just put the vending machines on every street corner, who needs convenience stores).

 

[MarathonMike]

The convenience store clerk that got roughed up by a shoplifting Michael Brown would go for total automation.

They're not just getting roughed up, they are being murdered or being charged with murder for protecting themselves.

 

[MarathonMike]

How could they check the matricula consular when a young Mexican wants to buy beer?

(I'm in favor of the Tokyo solution, just put the vending machines on every street corner, who needs convenience stores).

This isn't Japan. The vending machines would be either stolen or destroyed within a week.

 

[jwoodie]

This isn't Japan. The vending machines would be either stolen or destroyed within a week.

In Democrat cities, for sure.

 

[Seymour Flops]

Convenience store clerks are now risking their lives to make minimum wage. And then if they defend themselves, Leftist DAs are charging THEM with murder. Are we getting to the point that the lawlessness and danger have made convenience stores too dangerous to operate by humans? Or at least, too dangerous to allow the public inside?

Let's say that is the case. Could convenience stores then operate like giant vending machines with maybe one person to handle malfunctions, restocking etc. What do you think?

Great idea. In Texas, convenience stores are almost all gas stations also. That function is already automated unless you want to pay cash. You could have one person on one daylight shift, behind the scenes and not visible to customers. Close the store from five to six AM for restocking.

Have screen like the MacDonald's kiosk with robot arms mounted on top of the shelves which will be behind plexiglass. The arm grabs your product, puts it into the tray so it slides out to you. That robot won't flinch if someone pulls a shottie on it.

It's not even a futuristic idea. In Frankfurt Germany, in 1983, this girl took me to an automated deli. Only one wall, but you put your five Mark coins in and got a cold meat sandwich.

 

[Concerned American]

Great idea. In Texas, convenience stores are almost all gas stations also. That function is already automated unless you want to pay cash. You could have one person on one daylight shift, behind the scenes and not visible to customers. Close the store from five to six AM for restocking.

Have screen like the MacDonald's kiosk with robot arms mounted on top of the shelves which will be behind plexiglass. The arm grabs your product, puts it into the tray so it slides out to you. That robot won't flinch if someone pulls a shottie on it.

It's not even a futuristic idea. In Frankfurt Germany, in 1983, this girl took me to an automated deli. Only one wall, but you put your five Mark coins in and got a cold meat sandwich.

They have had "automats" in NYC since the 60s.