BELGIUM. Lagardère Travel Retail Belgium, alongside technology partner Atos, has revealed a world first concept named ‘Quick N’ Easy’. It is a fully automated point of sale duty free store offering Belgian beers and chocolate products in Pier A at Brussels Airport.
The high-tech concept is based on the use of interactive furniture and 3D (Lidar) cameras, allowing the automatic recognition of products selected by customers.
After entering the store by scanning their boarding pass, passengers select their products, which are grouped in a virtual basket at the moment they pass the payment terminal.
Customers can then check the details of their basket, finalise the transaction with their credit or debit card and leave the point of sale with their chosen products.
Lagardère Travel Retail Belgium CEO Nicolas Van Brandt said: “For Lagardère Travel Retail it is highly important to innovate in the use of technologies related to its core business. Thanks to the support of Brussels Airport, the technological expertise of Atos and our experience as retailer, we were able to develop this new concept at a very short notice.
“Passengers of Terminal A will be astonished by the easy way of working and the brand new retail experience. By offering this new automated point of sale at the airport, Lagardère Travel Retail ensures its role as a trendsetter.”
Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist said: “At Brussels Airport, we are always looking for opportunities to enhance the passenger experience and to offer quick and touchless alternatives for our passengers throughout the airport.
“With this innovative shopping solution, a purchase can be done swiftly and autonomously, without even the need to scan the products. This is truly a ‘Quick N’ Easy’ stop to shop for some Belgian delicacies as a gift or just for yourself.”
Atos Belux CEO Punit Sehgal said: “This project represents the fusing of technology, optimised customer experience and convenience to deliver an innovative retail experience that is designed to function intuitively and in harmony with the shopper.
“With this offering, Lagardère Travel Retail now provides a cutting-edge shopping experience that sets it apart in Belgium.”
The opening follows hot on the heels of Lagardère Travel Retail-owned company Paradies Lagardère opening a similar automated concept using Amazon Just Walk Out technology at Charlotte Douglas Airport last week in the US. Read the story here. 
