STO Smart Store now open 24/7

The State Trading Organization (STO)’s Smart Store – the first-ever fully autonomous store in the Maldives – is now open 24/7.

The STO Smart Store, located in Hulhumale’ Phase I, operates without traditional cashiers or sales personnel - becoming the first of its kind in the Maldives – when it opened in July last year.

The store was previously open until 10:00 pm.

But on Wednesday, STO announced that the store is now open 24/7.

Customers can shop at the store using the ‘STO Smart Store’ mobile app, available for free download on both Android and Apple Play stores.

To get started, shoppers are required to register their bank card on the app, after which they can gain access to the store by scanning a QR code generated by the app.

This hassle-free process allows customers to select their preferred products and exit the store without any wait at a cashier counter.

STO has equipped the Smart Store with state-of-the-art AI technology to maintain operations and safety.

High-tech AI cameras are strategically installed across the store to monitor the stock and customer interactions. This ensures a safe and well-regulated shopping environment, despite the absence of traditional staff members.

This model offers customers significant time-saving benefits, by eliminating the need for traditional checkouts.