Why Unmanned Retail Is Taking Over Public Transport Hubs

Zixuan Lai

·October 23, 2025

·10 min read

Why Unmanned Retail Is Taking Over Public Transport Hubs — Image Source: pexels

You can see unmanned retail in many public transport hubs. Last year, over 1,200 new places opened in U.S. cities. France and China also started hundreds of these stores in airports and train stations.

450 more stores opened than the year before in the U.S.
China now has over 2,000 automated shops in big cities.

Why is this happening so quickly? Look at what is causing the trend:

Factor	Description
Convenience	You can get snacks and things you need any time.
Cost Savings	Owners spend less money, and you can save too.
24/7 Access	Stores are always open, so you can shop any time.
Modular Kiosks	These shops fit almost anywhere, so you find them where you need them.

Unmanned retail gives you fast, flexible, and all-day service where you travel most.

Key Takeaways

Unmanned retail stores are open all day and night. You can buy snacks and things you need anytime. Shopping is fast and easy for travelers.
These stores use smart technology to help you pay quickly. They also track items in real time. You can find what you want fast. You do not have to wait in line.
Travelers like shopping here because it is not stressful. Unmanned retail shops are in busy places. They are close to ticket counters and waiting areas.
Operators save money because they need fewer workers. They also sell more in a small space. This is because the stores use space well.
More people want unmanned retail because it is quick, safe, and easy. Technology helps make shopping simpler than before.

Drivers

Convenience

If you want a snack or drink while waiting, it is easy. Unmanned retail puts smart kiosks and micro markets nearby. They are close to ticket counters and waiting areas. You do not need to look for a store. You do not have to stand in line. These kiosks have many snacks and drinks. You can also find healthy foods and things like hand sanitizer.

Here’s how these shops help you when you travel:

Feature	Benefit to You
Snacks and essentials are easy to reach	You save time and do not have to work hard to get them
Real-time inventory checks	Your favorite snacks are almost always there
Custom product choices	You can pick foods that fit your taste or diet
Shops are in busy places	You can shop fast if you do not have much time

You get what you want, when you want it, with no trouble.

Technology

Unmanned retail uses smart tech to make shopping easy. You walk in, take what you want, and go. The system charges you by itself. You do not need cash or cards. You do not have to wait. These stores use automation, AI, and strong security. Computer vision, sensors, and apps help track what you buy and keep things safe.

Automation and AI keep stores open all day and night.
Mobile apps and QR codes let you pay with your phone.
Real-time data helps refill shelves so nothing runs out.

You always get a quick and modern way to shop.

Consumer Needs

You want shopping to be fast, simple, and safe. Unmanned retail gives you contactless shopping and stores that never close. Many people like shopping without cash or waiting for help. These stores use facial recognition, QR codes, and mobile pay to make visits quick and safe.

Consumer Need	How Unmanned Retail Delivers
Convenience	Small stores fit anywhere and are simple to use
Technology Integration	No cash or cards needed, so shopping is faster
Contactless Shopping	Easy checkout and always-open stores help you keep moving

Unmanned retail gives you what you want—speed, safety, and choices when you travel.

Unmanned Retail Benefits

For Travelers

You want shopping to be quick and easy, especially when you travel. Unmanned retail gives you just that. These stores stay open all day and night, so you can grab what you need any time—even if your train or flight is delayed. You do not have to wait in long lines. You just walk in, pick up your snacks or essentials, and go. This grab-and-go experience saves you time and keeps your journey smooth.

Here are some ways unmanned retail helps you as a traveler:

You get 24/7 access to snacks, drinks, and last-minute items.
You spend less time waiting because there are no lines or cashiers.
You find these stores right where you need them, even in small or busy spaces.
You enjoy a fast, contactless shopping experience that fits your busy schedule.

Tip: If you ever forget something important, like a charger or a snack, you can count on these stores to have it—even late at night.

The compact size of these stores means you see them in more places, like near gates or platforms. You do not have to walk far or search for what you need. Everything is close by and easy to reach. Many travelers say they feel less stressed because they know they can get what they need quickly.

For Operators

If you run a store in a busy transport hub, unmanned retail makes your job easier and more profitable. You save money because you do not need as many staff members. In fact, operational costs can drop by 30%. You also make better use of small spaces, which means you can open more stores in high-traffic areas.

Here’s how unmanned retail helps you as an operator:

You can keep your store open 24/7 without extra staff.
You use real-time data to track what sells best and when to restock.
You boost sales per square foot by up to 20% compared to regular stores.
You can set up stores quickly, even in tight spots, and reach more customers.

Benefit	How It Helps Operators
Labor savings	Fewer staff needed, lower costs
Data insights	Track sales and stock in real time
Compact store design	Open stores in more places, even with limited space
Higher sales	More sales per square foot, especially in busy areas

You also get smart tools that help you understand what your customers want. Real-time data shows you which products are popular, so you can adjust your stock and prices. This helps you avoid running out of best-sellers and keeps your customers happy. Some operators see a 15% jump in sales volume after switching to unmanned retail.

Note: Using data from your store helps you make better decisions and keeps your business running smoothly, even during busy travel times.

Unmanned retail gives both travelers and operators what they need: speed, convenience, and smart solutions for busy transport hubs.

Challenges

High Traffic

Busy transport hubs have lots of people. Sometimes, you just want a snack fast. Crowds can slow you down. Unmanned retail stores face problems with too many people. They must keep everyone moving and safe. Smart systems help manage the flow. Sensors and cameras watch for too many shoppers. They send alerts if it gets crowded. This makes shopping smoother for you. Technology keeps lines short and helps you find things quickly.

Stores watch crowds in real time to stop crowding.
Safety is always important, even with many shoppers.
New tech makes shopping quicker and easier for you.

Space Limits

Most transport hubs do not have much space. You see small shops between gates and waiting spots. Unmanned retail stores use smart designs to fit in tight places. These stores go where normal shops cannot fit. You get more choices in less space. Owners also save money on rent.

Evidence	Description
Urbanization	More people want fast shopping in cities with little space.
Space Efficiency	Stores need less room and fewer workers, so they fit almost anywhere.
Retail Model	Small, smart shops work best in crowded city areas.

You find these stores in places you did not expect. Shopping is easy, even when space is small.

Security

Security is very important in busy transport hubs. You want to feel safe when you shop. Unmanned retail stores use smart tools to protect you and their goods. AI and IoT devices watch for theft and track items. Cameras and sensors spot trouble early. Some stores use drones to stop theft fast. Drones work with other security tools to keep things safe. Stores follow rules to protect your privacy.

Security Concern	Mitigation Strategy
Rapid pace of retail theft	Drones act fast when there is a problem.
Organized retail crime	Drones and security systems work together for better safety.
Privacy issues with drone surveillance	Stores check for risks and follow privacy laws.

AI finds patterns in theft and fraud. IoT devices like smart shelves track products and what people do. You get safer shopping, and stores work better.

Tip: When you visit an unmanned retail store, look for the tech that keeps you safe and makes shopping simple.

Examples

Airports

You probably notice more smart stores popping up in airports. These shops let you grab snacks, drinks, or travel items without waiting in line. At Hong Kong International Airport, you can walk into a store that uses computer vision and deep learning. The system knows what you pick up and charges you automatically. You do not need to scan anything or talk to a cashier. This makes shopping fast and easy, even if your flight is about to board. Many travelers say they like how quick and smooth the experience feels.

Tip: If you ever rush through an airport, look for these stores near your gate. You can get what you need in seconds.

Train Stations

Train stations also use unmanned retail to help you shop on the go. You might see small kiosks or micro markets right by the platforms. These stores fit into tight spaces and stay open all day. You can buy snacks, drinks, or even phone chargers while you wait for your train. Some high-speed rail stations in China have these shops. They use smart shelves and cameras to track what you take. You just pay with your phone and head to your train.

No lines to slow you down.
Stores open even late at night.
Easy to find what you need before your train leaves.

Bus Terminals

Bus terminals get busy, especially during rush hour. Unmanned retail stores help you shop quickly, even when crowds fill the station. You can find these shops near ticket counters or waiting areas. They offer snacks, drinks, and travel basics. You do not have to worry about missing your bus because you spent too long in line. The stores use sensors and cameras to keep things safe and stocked.

Note: Next time you travel by bus, check out these stores. You might find a snack or charger right when you need it.

Future Trends

Digital Integration

Every year, stores use more digital tools. Unmanned retail connects with apps, sensors, and smart shelves. These stores use AI and IoT to track what you buy. They also keep shelves full with this technology. You can pay with your phone or just walk out. The store charges you by itself. Some stores use robotic arms to restock items. This keeps things running well. All this tech makes shopping faster and easier for you.

Everything works together, so your shopping trip is smooth.

Personalization

Shopping is better when stores know what you like. New tech helps stores remember your favorite snacks or drinks. When you visit, the store can suggest things you might want. You might get a discount right away. This makes your trip more fun. It also helps you find what you need faster.

Feature	Description
Preference Recognition	Stores notice what you like from what you bought before.
Item Recommendations	AI suggests things you might enjoy, just for you.
Real-time Discounts	You get special deals while you shop, based on your habits.

You feel like the store is made just for you.

Market Growth

Unmanned retail is growing very fast. Companies like VenHub use robots to run stores with no workers. These stores can open anywhere, even in busy train stations or airports. Experts say the global market for retail automation will reach $35.58 billion by 2029. It is growing over 12% each year. AI helps these stores keep the right products in stock. It also teaches robots to handle items safely.

Evidence Description	Details
Automated Stores	VenHub uses robotic stores that work without people.
Market Growth	The market for retail automation could hit $35.58 billion by 2029, growing 12.3% yearly.
AI Integration	AI helps manage inventory and teaches robots to handle products.

You will see more of these smart stores in the places you travel every day.

You see unmanned retail changing how you shop in busy places. Travelers love the speed and easy access. Operators enjoy better sales and smarter inventory.

Almost half of Hong Kong shoppers now prefer these stores for convenience.
Brands can test new products and manage stock better.
Many people say shopping any time builds loyalty.

Smart vending machines make your trips smoother and more fun. You might find your next favorite snack or gadget while you wait. Think about how these stores could change your travel or business soon!

FAQ

What can you buy at unmanned retail stores in transport hubs?

You can grab snacks, drinks, phone chargers, travel pillows, and even personal care items. Some stores offer healthy food or local gifts. You find what you need for your trip, even if you shop late at night.

How do you pay at these stores?

Most stores let you pay with your phone. You can use QR codes, mobile wallets, or contactless cards. Some stores even let you just walk out, and the system charges you automatically.

Are unmanned stores safe to use?

Yes, these stores use cameras, sensors, and smart software to keep you and your purchases safe. They also follow privacy rules. You can shop with peace of mind.

What if you need help while shopping?

Look for a help button or a screen in the store. Many shops offer live chat or video support. You get quick answers if you have questions or need assistance.