JP7639253B2 - Retail store operation system and retail store operation method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a retail store operation system and a retail store operation method.

In recent years, with the development of the Internet, it has become possible to shop online using a user's terminal without visiting an actual store, and ordered items can be delivered to one's home or other location via courier service, etc.

In addition, the product sales support system of Patent Document 1 provides a virtual store device, which sets products to be sold to customers and shelf allocation information based on the customer's identification information and attribute information and transmits the information to the virtual store device. The virtual store device displays the products to be sold to customers on a display based on the received shelf allocation information, and accepts purchase orders for the products specified by the customer.

JP 2018-151923 A

However, elderly people and others want to shop at familiar stores where they have been shopping for many years. As they get older, it becomes more difficult to visit familiar stores. While it would be possible to set up a store nearby, this is not realistic in terms of cost.

The present invention aims to provide a retail store operation system and a retail store operation method that can reduce the costs associated with opening and operating a retail store, enable customers to shop at a nearby store where they have been shopping for many years, and enhance the purchasing environment for consumers.

The present invention comprises a plurality of satellite store devices provided in a plurality of satellite stores, each of which is associated with a plurality of physical stores in which products are displayed on display shelves. The plurality of satellite store devices each comprises a display unit that displays products, and a control unit that controls the display by the display unit and accepts orders for the products displayed on the display unit. The control unit accepts input of user identification information, and, based on the input user identification information, if the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device among the plurality of satellite store devices that accepted the input of the user identification information, displays a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the physical store associated with the user identification information on the display unit of the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information.

The control unit displays on the display unit a layout diagram that is the same as or resembles the display shelves in the physical store, and when a specific display shelf image is selected from the layout diagram image of the display shelves in the physical store displayed on the display unit, the selected display shelf image and a product image corresponding to the selected display shelf image are displayed on the display unit.

The control unit selectively displays a first display that displays the product images arranged on the display shelf image at actual size, and a second display that displays the product images arranged on the display shelf image in a reduced size, depending on the product category arranged on the display shelf image.

The control unit acquires at least one of product replacement information, product layout change information, price change information, sales promotion information, and time sale information carried out by the physical store, and changes the shelf image of the product arrangement at the satellite store based on the product replacement information, product layout change information, price change information, sales promotion information, and time sale information in accordance with the product replacement, product layout change, price change, sales promotion, and time sale of the physical store corresponding to the satellite store.

The control unit displays a list of other physical stores, and, in response to a selection operation by the user, displays an image of a display shelf with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the other physical store.

The control unit accepts the destination for receiving the ordered product as the satellite store where the order was placed or a designated destination.

The control unit switches the language displayed on the display unit according to the user's selection.

The retail store construction and operation system of the present invention includes a product sales support device that supports the sale of the ordered products, and when the product sales support device determines based on the user identification information that the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information among the multiple satellite store devices, the product sales support device transmits display shelf image data of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the actual store associated with the user identification information to the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information.

The product sales support device accepts input of user identification information, and if the user is a user who is expected to use one of the multiple satellite store devices that accepted the input of the user identification information based on the input user identification information, a display shelf image of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the physical store associated with the user identification information is displayed on the user terminal.

The retail store construction and operation method of the present invention includes a plurality of satellite store devices that are provided in a plurality of satellite stores, each of which is associated with a plurality of physical stores in which products are displayed on display shelves. The plurality of satellite store devices have a display step for controlling display by a display unit, and a control step for accepting orders for products displayed on the display unit. The display step accepts input of user identification information, and when the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information among the plurality of satellite store devices based on the input of the user identification information, a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the physical store associated with the user identification information is displayed on the display unit of the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information.

The present invention provides a retail store operation system and a retail store operation method that can reduce the costs associated with opening and operating a retail store, enable customers to shop at the same level as they would at a nearby brick-and-mortar store where they have been shopping for many years, and enhance the purchasing environment for consumers.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a retail store construction and operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a mechanism of a retail store construction and operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a diagram for explaining a satellite store device, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a type A satellite store for eight people, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a type B satellite store for four people. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a retail store construction and operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a content generation/transmission structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a user management table. 13 is a process flowchart of a satellite store device. This is a screen that displays a list of hub stores. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a layout image of display shelves in a hub store arranged by category is displayed on a display unit. 13A shows a first display in which product images arranged on a display shelf image are displayed in actual size, and FIG. 13B shows a second display in which product images arranged on a display shelf image are displayed in reduced size. 13 is a process flowchart of a product sales support server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In addition, the same elements are given the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a retail store construction and operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the mechanism of the retail store construction and operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1 and 2, a plurality of hub stores a1, a2 are provided as stores where users usually shop. A retail headquarters H comprehensively manages the plurality of hub stores a1, a2.

Hub store a1 in area 1 has multiple satellite stores Y1-Y3. Hub store a2 in area 2 has multiple satellite stores Y11-Y13. Hub stores a1 and a2 are located far away from users' homes, while satellite stores Y1-3 and Y11-Y13 are located close to users' homes.

It would be very convenient for users living in area 1 if they could go shopping at satellite stores Y1-Y3, Y11-Y13, which are closer to their homes, rather than shopping at hub stores a1 and a2, which are far from their homes, and shop while looking at the products arranged on the display units 21 of the satellite store devices 11a-11f in the same way as at hub stores a1 and a2. The retail store construction and operation system 10 makes this possible.

Specifically, when a user is expected to use a satellite store device (e.g., 11a) among the multiple satellite store devices 11a to 11f that has accepted the user ID input based on the user ID (user identification information) input by the user, the product sales support server 12 displays, on the display unit of the satellite store device 11a or the user terminal 13, a display shelf image of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store (e.g., a1) associated with the user ID.

The retail store construction and operation system 10 comprises multiple satellite store devices 11a-11f, a product sales support server 12, a user terminal 13, and a headquarters manager terminal 14. The multiple satellite store devices 11a-11f are provided in multiple satellite stores Y1-Y3, Y11-Y13, respectively, and correspond to hub stores a1, a2, which are multiple physical stores where products are displayed on shelves.

In principle, the satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13 do not have physical product inventory on display, and are equipped with digital devices and a minimum number of employees and fixtures.
Customers can use the product inventory and various resources of existing physical hub stores A1 and A2 to select and order products from the product shelves projected on a digital device, while receiving customer service support from employees of satellite stores Y1-Y3 and Y11-Y13 as needed, and the products can be delivered from the display inventory of the hub stores A1 and A2 or from the logistics base using the method specified by the customer.

The product sales support server 12 provides various data to the hub stores a1, a2, the satellite store devices 11a to 11f, and the user terminal 13, and performs various processes to support the sales of products. The product sales support server 12 functions as a product sales support device that supports the sales of ordered products.
The user terminal 13 is owned by the user and has the same functions as the satellite store devices 11a to 11f. By using the user terminal 13, the user can enjoy shopping at home in the same way as if they had gone to the hub stores a1 and a2.
The headquarters manager terminal 14 manages the hub stores a1 and a2 and the satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13.

Each of the satellite store devices 11 a to 11 f includes a display unit 21 and a control unit 22 .
The display unit 21 displays products. The control unit 22 controls the display by the display unit 21 and also controls the acceptance of orders for the products displayed on the display unit 21.
The control unit 22 receives an input of a user ID from a user based on an instruction from the product sales support server 12, and when the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device (e.g., 11a) among the multiple satellite store devices 11a to 11f that received the input of the user ID based on the input user ID, the display unit 21 displays a display shelf image of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub actual store a1 associated with the user ID. The content is a composite information comprising display shelves, products (product names, prices, product images, supplementary information), notices from the store, and sales floors. The hub store a1 and the satellite stores Y1 to Y3, Y11 to Y13 are configured to simultaneously carry out product replacement, product arrangement changes, product price changes, sales promotions, time sales, and the like.

The product sales support server 12 accepts the input of a user ID, and if the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device (e.g., 11a) from among the multiple satellite store devices 11a to 11f that accepted the input of the user ID based on the input user ID, the display unit of the user terminal 13 displays a shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1 associated with the user ID.

Fig. 3(a) is an explanatory diagram of a satellite store device, and is a diagram explaining a virtual product shelf display terminal 31 and a virtual shopping basket terminal 32. Fig. 3(b) shows a type A satellite store for eight people, and Fig. 3(c) shows a type B satellite store for four people.
Conventionally, users would go shopping at a hub store a1, which is located some distance away. A satellite store Y1 corresponding to the hub store a1 is set up near the user's home. As shown in Figures 3(b) and (c), the satellite store Y1 is available in two types: Type A, which has a capacity of eight people, and Type B, which has a capacity of four people.

A satellite store device 11a is installed in the satellite store Y1. The satellite store device 11a is composed of a virtual product shelf display device 31 and a virtual shopping cart terminal 32. The virtual product shelf display terminal 31 is composed of two display devices arranged side by side. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 21 of the satellite store device 11a in FIG. 2 is provided in the virtual product shelf display terminal 31, and the control unit 22 is provided in the virtual product shelf display terminal 31 or connected to it.

The virtual product shelf display terminal 31 accepts the input of a user ID, and if the user is one of the multiple satellite store devices Y1 to Y13 that is expected to use the satellite store Y1 whose user ID was accepted based on the input of the user ID, a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1 associated with the user ID is displayed on the display of the virtual product shelf display terminal 31. This allows the user to shop in the same way as if they were visiting the hub store a1, by simply visiting the nearby satellite store Y1, without visiting the hub store a1.

When it is registered that the user uses multiple hub stores a1 and a2, the virtual product shelf display terminal 31 displays a list of hub stores on the display of the virtual product shelf display device 31, allowing the user to select which hub store to arrange products at (see Figure 8 described below). Because the user normally visits hub store a1 and hub store a2, a list screen for selecting hub store a1 and hub store a2 is displayed on the display unit (see Figure 8). This allows the user to shop for products just by visiting a nearby satellite store, just as they would at the multiple hub stores they normally visit.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a retail store construction and operation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a content generation and transmission/reception structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the product sales support server 12 is composed of a DB (database)/API (application programming interface) server 110, which is middleware, a front-end server 130, and a CMS (content management system) 140.

The DB/API server 110 handles data types such as numerical values, text, media files, and communication video, and is provided with a dedicated database 120 .
The dedicated database 120 is made up of a common product database 12a, a retailer database 12b, and a temporary storage database 12c that stores customer information and the like.

The common product database 12a contains product information and provided information that can be commonly used among retail businesses, and is a database that mainly describes and stores common product codes (such as JAN codes), product names, product images, suggested retail prices, sizes, ingredients, etc., using numerical values, text files, and image videos. The common product database 12a is connected to external third-party databases and various external databases.

The retailer-specific database 12b has product information and provided information that are handled independently by retailers by reusing, duplicating, adding, etc., the common product database 12a, and is a database that mainly describes and stores common product codes (JAN codes, etc.), product names, video images, suggested retail prices, sales prices, sizes, ingredients, etc., using numerical values, text files, and video images. The retailer-specific database 12b is also a database that describes, creates, and stores supplementary information such as product appearances, contents, and advertisements, shelf layout settings, sales floor settings, device terminals, various information related to retail store operations other than products (notices, service menus, etc.), and information provided from outside that can be copied or quoted, using numerical values, text files, audio, video, and other methods.
The temporary storage database 12c is a database that stores files necessary for data transmission and reception with the systems of retailers that cooperate with the system, such as transaction data, customer information, and a user management table. The temporary storage database 12c is connected to external retailer databases and various systems.

The Web application A-1-1 constituting the front-end server 130 constitutes the front UI, and the Web application A-1-2 constitutes the extended or variation front UI. The front-end server 130 handles text, audio, 2D images, 3D images, videos, VR, and the like as types of content. The front-end server 130 provides shelf allocation content, sales floor content, and satellite store operation content. The shelf allocation content includes standard shelf allocation content, theme shelf allocation content, AI shelf allocation content, and the like. Using this shelf allocation content, a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of a hub store associated with a user's identification ID is displayed on the display unit 21 of the satellite store devices 11a to 11f.
The satellite store operation contents are created and edited for users and store staff, and include public notices, information, external media, etc.

Each of the satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13 is equipped with satellite store devices 11a to 11f, a virtual shopping basket terminal 32, a store manager terminal 33, and a payment terminal 34. The virtual shopping basket terminal 32 has the same functions as the satellite store devices 11a to 11f. The store manager terminal 33 is a terminal used by the manager of each of the satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dedicated database 120 also includes a product database 121, a shelf allocation/sales floor database 121, a design/layout DB 123, a store/terminal database 124, and an order processing unit 125.

The product database 121 stores product classifications, product data (JAN/product name/suggested retail price), product images/videos, tax classifications, and tax rates.
The shelf allocation/sales floor database 122 stores shelf allocation data for hub stores/other existing stores, satellite shelf allocation data, shelf allocation data by department/product category, shelf allocation data by season/event, and sales floor configuration/sales floor layout data.
The design/layout DB 123 stores design/layout/expression data, expression type/area/size data, and period/base setting data.
The store/terminal database 124 stores detailed data on hub stores and satellite stores, installed fixtures and terminal data, store guides, store maps, in-store broadcasting, and announcement data, and the like.
The order processing unit 125 processes and stores information on product arrangement methods, handling fees, and delivery charges, calculates total payment amounts, user logs, and order history data.
The databases 121 to 124 are linked to each other and to application software inside and outside the DB/API server 12 via APIs, in order to make the retail store construction and operation system 10 function.

The DB/API server 110 cooperates with DBs/various systems of retail store operators, third party DBs, the management system (CMC) A-3, and the like.
The dedicated database 120 can also be linked to external data such as a third-party DB, EC/cloud services, etc. The management system A-3 is linked to the headquarters manager terminal 14.
The headquarters management terminal 14 performs account management, product/sales floor/store/terminal management, and various master/content management. The management system A-3 cooperates with the store management terminals 33 of the satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13.
The settlement terminal 34, which is a retail store operator terminal of the satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13, links with various external DBs such as a third-party DB, and retail store operator DBs/various systems.

The CMS 140 is composed of software, and receives production materials from the DB/API server 110, and provides the DB/API server 110 and the front-end server 130 with shelf allocation content C1 such as sales products, sales prices, sales settings/standards and themes, sales floor content C2 such as product shelf allocation, shelf allocation arrangement and sales floor arrangement, and satellite store operation content C3 for users and store staff.

CMS 140 is software that allows the retailer's headquarters manager to perform integrated management of the entire retail store construction and operation system 10, and works in conjunction with DB/API server 110 and third-party databases and services or various systems operated by the retailer to create and manage the content displayed on the virtual product shelf display terminal 31 and virtual shopping cart terminal 32, and has the following functions:

1. A function for operating and managing the entire retail store construction and operation system 10; 2. A function for managing the quantity and scope of usage rights for each function of the retail store construction and operation system 10; 3. A function for adding and updating software and applications to each terminal of the retail store construction and operation system 10; 4. A function for registering, editing, duplicating, and expanding information in the dedicated database 120; 5. A function for combining individual information stored in the dedicated database 120 to create, edit, duplicate, and expand content; 6. A function for creating, editing, duplicating, and expanding content based on information (text, video, etc.) about product shelves in hub stores, which are existing physical stores; 7. A function for creating, editing, duplicating, and expanding content based on paid and free information obtained from third parties; 8. A function for reading content data created by a retailer's contractor or a third party and storing it in a database; 9. A function for setting basic display settings for content created and managed in 5 to 8; 10. A function for setting variable display conditions for content created and managed in 5 to 8 according to user attributes, operations, seasons, date and time, etc.

Web applications A-1-1 and A-1-2 are applications that, when installed on the provisionally named product shelf display terminal 31, virtual shopping cart terminal 32, and user terminal 13, generate content produced and managed by CMS 140 as a user interface that can be browsed and operated, and have the following functions:

1. A function to generate content produced and managed by CMS 140 as a user interface that can be viewed and operated; 2. A function to automatically adjust the user interface that can be viewed and operated according to the installation status and specifications of the terminal; 3. A function to switch the display language of the user interface according to the operation of a customer or a satellite store manager; 4. A function to change the layout of the user interface or add audio guides according to the operation of a customer or a satellite store manager; 5. A function to expand the variations of the user interface by linking with designs, content, and services produced by the retailer's contractors or third parties.

The headquarters administrator uses the headquarters administrator terminal 14 to manage and operate the satellite store devices 11a-11f and the product sales support server 12, and works with the hub stores a1 and a2 to provide retail services to consumers at the satellite stores, and is responsible for all sales transactions from the time the customer arrives at the store until they receive the product.

A user, that is, a customer, uses satellite store devices 11a to 11f installed in satellite stores Y1 to Y3 and Y11 to Y13 to select a product to be purchased, specifies a method of obtaining the product, and hands over the virtual shopping basket terminal 32 to a satellite store manager (mainly an employee of the satellite store), and undergoes procedures such as cash register operation.
The satellite store manager assists customers in operating the virtual product shelf display terminal 31 and the virtual shopping basket terminal 32 when serving customers, and uses the store manager terminal 33 to manage order forms, slips with information on how to receive products, etc. when performing procedural tasks such as cash register operations.

Customers can also use the same service from their homes or workplaces by using their own user terminals 13 instead of the virtual product shelf display terminals 31 or virtual shopping cart terminals 32. In this case, the satellite store manager checks the order data intercepted by communication from the user terminals 13 on the store manager terminal 33, sends the form to the customer as an electronic file, and manages it in the same manner as above.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a user management table. This user management table functions mainly in conjunction with a customer management system operated by a retail store company. As shown in Fig. 6, the user management table has a user ID, user information which is basic information about the user, physical store information, satellite store information, purchase history, etc. User X with a user ID of A goes shopping at hub stores a1 and a2 as physical stores, and goes shopping at the nearest satellite stores Y1 and Y2.
The initial registration in the user management table can be performed at the hub store or at a satellite store.

FIG. 7 is a process flow chart of the satellite store device.
As shown in FIG. 7, the satellite store devices 11a to 11f accept input of a user ID and password from a user, and based on the input user ID, request authentication processing from the product sales support server 12 to determine whether the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device (e.g., 11a) that accepted the input of the user ID among multiple satellite stores Y1 to Y13 (step S11).

8 is a screen displaying a list of hub stores. In the satellite store Y1, when authentication is permitted and the user ID and password of the user X are input, the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a displays a screen for selecting the hub store a1 and the hub store a2 on the display unit 21 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S12).
Here, if the user ID of user X is linked to only one hub store, the screen for selecting the hub store is omitted.
The control unit 21 of the satellite store device 11a acquires from the sales support server 12 display shelf image data of the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1 linked to the user's identification ID (step S13).
The control unit 21 of the satellite store device 11a displays on the display unit a display shelf image of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1, based on the display shelf image data of the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1, which is linked to the user's identification ID (step S14).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a layout image of display shelves in a hub store arranged by category is displayed on the display unit.
When the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a determines that the user X has selected the hub store a1, it displays an image of a layout of shelves in the hub store a1 arranged by category on the display unit 21, as shown in Fig. 9. By displaying the layout image, the user can easily select which sales floor in the hub store a1 he or she would like to visit.

The control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a detects a user's operation, and when a specific display shelf image is selected from the display shelf layout image of the hub store a1 displayed on the display unit 21, the selected display shelf image and a product image corresponding to the selected display shelf image are displayed on the display unit 21.
In this way, the satellite store device 11a can display on the display unit 21 a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1 associated with the user ID.

After the user X displays the display shelf image with the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1, the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a can again display the list of other hub stores as shown in Fig. 8 and detect the user's selection operation to display the display shelf image with the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the other hub store a2. In this way, when it is difficult for the user to shop using the display shelf image with the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a1, an environment in which the user can easily shop can be created by displaying the display shelf image with the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store a2.
The control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a selectively displays a first display that displays the product images arranged on the display shelf image in actual size, and a second display that displays the product images arranged on the display shelf image in reduced size, depending on the product category arranged on the display shelf image.

10A shows a first display in which the product images arranged on the display shelf image are displayed in actual size, and FIG. 10B shows a second display in which the product images arranged on the display shelf image are displayed in reduced size. In FIG. 10B, since it would be impossible to display many products in actual size, reduced images can be displayed in such cases.
For example, based on the display processing instructions of the product sales support server 12, the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a changes the size of the product images arranged on the display shelf image for each sales category, and as shown in Figure 10 (a), in the case of product categories such as milk, yogurt, etc., the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a performs a first display in which the product images arranged on the display shelf image are displayed at actual size.
As shown in FIG. 10(b), when a product such as sweets is in a bulky packaging bag, the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a performs a second display in which the product images arranged on the display shelf image are displayed in a reduced size.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the hub store A1 is actually replacing products, changing product layout and prices, promoting sales, or holding limited-time sales, the control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a acquires product replacement information, product layout change information and price change information, promotion information, and limited-time sales information carried out by the hub store A1 based on the display processing of the product sales support server 12, and changes the display shelf image of the product arrangement at the satellite store Y1 based on the product replacement information, product layout change information and price change information, promotion information, and limited-time sales information in accordance with the product replacement, product layout change and price change, promotion, and limited-time sales of the hub store A1 corresponding to the satellite store Y1 (step S15). This allows for real-time product replacement, product layout change and price change, promotion, and limited-time sales in cooperation with the actual store.

The control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a switches the language displayed on the display unit 21 in response to the user's selection (step S16). The control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a can switch the display language to a language other than Japanese, such as English, Chinese, or Korean, in response to the user's selection.

The control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a accepts the selected destination for receiving the ordered product from the satellite store where the order was placed or the designated destination (step S17). The user can select the destination for receiving the purchased product from his/her home, the satellite store where the order was placed, another satellite store, or another designated location.
The control unit 22 of the satellite store device 11a confirms the order, performs payment processing, and ends the accounting process (step S18), thereby ending the entire process.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process of the product sales support server.
As shown in FIG. 11, the product sales support server 12 performs authentication processing based on the user ID and password from the satellite store device 11a to determine whether the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device 11a that accepted the input of the user ID among the multiple satellite store devices 11a to 11f (step S21).
If the user passes the authentication process, the product sales support server 12 sends a list of hub stores that the user is permitted to use to the satellite store device 11a (step S22).
When a specific hub store is selected from the list of hub stores, the product sales support server 12 transmits display shelf image data of the product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store linked to the user ID to the satellite store device 11a that accepted the input of the user ID (step S23).
The display shelf image data is data of image elements and file formats required for generating the content created by the CMS 140 as an interface by a Web application.
Image elements are broadly divided into two types: one type is the type of image elements set for each individual product on display, such as the product name, appearance, price, capacity, and various notations and expressions aimed at collective display and sales promotion, and the other type is the type of image elements set for the entire display shelf, such as sales floor signs, display fixture frames, and various notations and expressions aimed at sales promotion for the entire sales floor category.
In addition, there are multiple file formats, and the file format supports all formats that can be processed by web applications, such as text including numerical values, images, videos, audio, and programs.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the product sales support server 12 determines that the hub store A1 has carried out a product replacement, a product layout change, a price change, a sales promotion, or a time sale, it transmits information on the product replacement, product layout change, price change, sales promotion, and time sale carried out by the hub store A1 to the satellite store device 11a (step S24).

When the satellite store device 11a selects to switch the language to be displayed on the display unit 21, the product sales support server 12 transmits the selected language information (step S25).
When the product sales support server 12 receives the user's product recipient information from the satellite store device 11a, it executes the recipient processing (step S26), executes the order confirmation and payment processing (step S27), and ends the processing.

A retail store construction and operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of satellite store devices 11a-11f that are provided in a plurality of satellite stores Y1-Y3, Y11-Y13, respectively, and that are associated with a plurality of physical stores in which products are displayed on display shelves. The plurality of satellite store devices 11a-11f have a display step for controlling display by a display unit 21, and a control step for accepting orders for products displayed on the display unit 21. The display step accepts input of a user ID, and when the user is one of the plurality of satellite store devices 11a-11f that is expected to use the satellite store device 11a-11f whose user ID input has been accepted, a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the hub store associated with the user ID is displayed on the display unit 21.

According to the above embodiment, the value of the hub store experience that a customer actually visited or saw can also be experienced at nearby satellite stores. This reduces the costs associated with opening and operating a retail store, enables customers to shop at the same level as at a nearby brick-and-mortar store that they have been visiting for many years, and enhances the purchasing environment for consumers.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, they are not limited to specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or some of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments.

10 Retail store construction and operation system a1, a2 Satellite stores 11a to 11f Satellite store devices 12 Product sales support server 13 User terminal 14 Headquarters management terminal 21 Display unit 22 Control unit 31 Virtual product shelf display terminal 32 Virtual shopping basket terminal 33 Store manager terminal 110 DB/API server 120 Dedicated database 130 Front-end server 140 CMS

Claims (10)

A retail store construction and operation system, comprising:
a plurality of satellite store devices provided in a plurality of satellite stores, the satellite store devices being associated with a plurality of brick-and-mortar stores in which products are displayed on shelves ;
A user management table having user identification information, physical store information associated with the user identification information, and satellite store information;
The plurality of satellite store devices
A display unit that displays products;
a control unit that controls the display by the display unit and receives an order for the product displayed on the display unit,
The control unit accepts the input of the user identification information, refers to the user management table, and if the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information among the multiple satellite store devices based on the satellite store information associated with the input user identification information, displays a shelf image of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement in a physical store based on the physical store information associated with the input user identification information on the display unit of the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information. The control unit is
A layout diagram that is the same as or resembles the display shelves of the physical store is displayed on the display unit,
A content-based retail store construction and operation system as described in claim 1, wherein when a specific display shelf image is selected from a layout image of display shelves in a physical store displayed on the display unit, the selected display shelf image and product images corresponding to the selected display shelf image are displayed on the display unit. The control unit is
A first display that displays product images arranged on the display shelf image in actual size;
3. A retail store construction and operation system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, which selectively displays a second display that displays reduced product images arranged on the display shelf image according to the product category arranged on the display shelf image. The control unit is
Acquire at least one of product replacement information, product layout change information, price change information, sales promotion information, and time sale information carried out by the brick-and-mortar store;
4. A retail store construction and operation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, which changes the shelf images of the product arrangement at the satellite store based on the product replacement information, product placement change information, price change information, sales promotion information, and time sale information in accordance with product replacement, product placement change and price change, sales promotion, and time sale at the physical store corresponding to the satellite store. The control unit is
View a list of other brick-and-mortar stores,
5. The retail store construction and operation system according to claim 1, further comprising a display shelf image for displaying a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of the other physical store in response to a selection operation by the user. The retail store construction and operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit accepts the ordered item as a receiving destination selected from the satellite store where the order was placed or a specified receiving destination. The retail store construction and operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit switches the language displayed on the display unit in response to the user's selection. Retail store construction and operation system,
a product sales support device for supporting the sale of the ordered product,
The product sales support device includes:
A retail store construction and operation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when it is determined based on the user identification information that the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device among the multiple satellite store devices that accepted the input of the user identification information, display shelf image data of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of a physical store corresponding to the user identification information is transmitted to the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information. The retail store construction and operation system according to claim 8, wherein the product sales support device accepts input of user identification information, and when the user is a user who is expected to use one of the multiple satellite store devices that accepted the input of the user identification information based on the input user identification information, displays on the user terminal a display shelf image with a product arrangement based on the product arrangement of a physical store associated with the user identification information. A method for constructing and operating a retail store, comprising:
a plurality of satellite store devices provided in a plurality of satellite stores, each corresponding to a plurality of actual stores in which products are displayed on shelves ;
A user management table having user identification information, physical store information associated with the user identification information, and satellite store information;
The plurality of satellite store devices
a display step of controlling a display by a display unit;
and a control step of accepting an order for the product displayed on the display unit,
The display step is a retail store construction and operation method in which, based on the satellite store information associated with the input user identification information, the display step accepts input of the user identification information, refers to the user management table, and if the user is a user who is expected to use the satellite store device among the multiple satellite store devices that accepted the input of the user identification information, displays a shelf image of a product arrangement based on the product arrangement in a physical store, based on the physical store information associated with the input user identification information, on the display unit of the satellite store device that accepted the input of the user identification information.