MerryMart said Thursday it would deploy smart lockers to allow shoppers a contactless option to pick up their groceries during the pandemic.
The supermarket chain owned by DoubleDragon's Injap Sia said the MBOX smart lockers would remove face-to-face contact between shoppers and grocery staff. Customers will check out online and pick up their goods from the initial 100 lockers.
"This pandemic has seen a record rise in deliveries and has highlighted the need for a contactless efficient green delivery alternative," Sia said.
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Users will get a pick-up code via SMS or in-app on iOS and Android once their groceries have been deposited in the MBOX smart lockers. The same system can be used to return packages, MerryMart told the stock exchange.
The smart boxes are accessible 24/7 at minimal at no additional cost. The units to be deployed this year will also have built-in UV disinfection. Accredited couriers and online sellers will deliver the packages to MBOX Smart Lockers which will cut delivery time, reduce costs and minimize failed deliveries, MerryMart said.
The company plans to roll out 5,000 MBOX Smart Lockers by 2030.