Walmart opens first cashier-free store in the Americas in Chile

By

Alicia Mares

Translated by
Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 3, 2019

Walmart has rolled out a new format in Chile, a supermarket featuring only self-checkout tills. Part of Lider’s Express chain, the outlet is located on the corner of Los Leones and Bilbao, in Providencia, Santiago.

“This is the first fully self-service store, not only in our country, but among all Walmart stores in Latin America and the United States,” Nicolas Undurraga, head of Lider’s Express division, told Diario Financiero. The company is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history by embracing technology and innovation.

The store spreads over 3,444 square feet and features five self-service machines. Trained staff is on hand to assist shoppers and help with any questions or issues.

According to local media reports, Walmart Chile is planning to open up to 60 new stores by 2019. Undurraga said all Lider and Express stores opening in 2019 will include self-checkout tills.

Walmart Chile is one of largest retailers in the country. The company has more than 50,000 employees and over 380 stores across Chile. Additionally, Walmart has ventured into the finance world through a subsidiary called Walmart Chile Servicios Financieros.