Tech4Biz

Smart Basket Solution
for Westfield Bellevue Mall
by Tech4Biz

Leveraging AI and advanced sensor technologies, Tech4Biz transformed shopping at Westfield Bellevue Mall with the ShopEase smart basket solution. The system enabled seamless checkout, real-time billing, and personalized customer engagement, eliminating lines and enhancing satisfaction.

This innovative approach redefined convenience and efficiency, setting a new benchmark in automated retail.

Background:

Westfield Bellevue Mall, a premier shopping destination in Bellevue, Washington, sought to enhance its shopping experience by implementing cutting-edge technology. Inspired by the innovation showcased in Amazon Go stores, the mall aimed to introduce a seamless, automated checkout and billing system to reduce wait times and elevate customer satisfaction.

Tech4Biz, a leading provider of advanced retail solutions, partnered with Westfield Bellevue Mall to design and implement a customized smart basket solution branded as ShopEase.

Objective:

To provide Westfield Bellevue Mall with a comprehensive, automated checkout system leveraging advanced sensor technologies, AI-powered billing, and real-time payment integration to eliminate checkout lines and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Challenges:

High Foot Traffic:

Westfield Bellevue Mall experiences a large volume of daily visitors, necessitating a system capable of handling peak hours efficiently.

Integration with Existing Systems:

The new solution needed to seamlessly integrate with existing POS and inventory management systems.

User Adaptability:

Ensuring that the technology was intuitive and easy for customers to adopt.

Security and Accuracy:

Preventing billing errors and ensuring robust anti-theft measures.

Solution:

Tech4Biz developed and implemented ShopEase, a smart basket solution tailored to the mall’s unique requirements. The solution combined the following features:

Key Components:

Smart Basket Technology:

Equipped with weight sensors, RFID scanners, and image recognition cameras to detect items placed in the basket.
Real-time item tracking and pricing updates displayed on an integrated LCD screen on the basket handle.

AI-Powered Billing System:

An AI algorithm cross-verifies items using RFID and visual recognition to ensure accuracy.
Automatic bill generation upon completion of shopping.

Mobile App Integration:

Customers could link their smart baskets to the mall’s ShopEase app for real-time updates, personalized offers, and payment options.

Contactless Payment:

Integration with NFC, QR code payments, and digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards.

Anti-Theft Mechanisms:

  • RFID gates at exits for security.
  • Alerts for unbilled items.

Centralized Management System:

Dashboards for mall operators to monitor usage, generate reports, and manage inventory in real-time.

Implementation Process:

Requirement Analysis:

Conducted workshops with the mall management to understand customer behavior and operational needs.

Technology Design:

Customized the ShopEase system to align with the layout and existing infrastructure of Westfield Bellevue Mall.

Deployment:

Deployed 2500+ smart baskets across the mall.
Installed RFID gates and configured centralized management systems.

Staff Training:

Conducted hands-on training sessions for store associates and technical teams.

Pilot Testing:

Launched a pilot program in select stores to gather feedback and fine-tune the system before mall-wide rollout.

Results:

Reduced Checkout Time:

Average checkout time decreased by 70%, eliminating queues during peak hours.

Enhanced Customer Experience:

Over 90% of surveyed shoppers reported a smoother and faster shopping experience.

Operational Efficiency:

Streamlined inventory management and billing processes.

Increased Revenue:

Shoppers spent 15% more on average due to reduced friction and personalized offers through the app.

Conclusion:

The implementation of the ShopEase solution at Westfield Bellevue Mall demonstrates the transformative potential of automated checkout systems in modern retail. Tech4Biz successfully delivered an end-to-end solution, setting a new benchmark for customer convenience and operational excellence.

If you’re looking to revolutionize your retail operations, contact Tech4Biz for innovative, tailor-made solutions.