7-Eleven to begin operating unmanned convenience stores in Japan

TOKYO -- Seven-Eleven Japan, the country's largest convenience store chain, will begin operating small outlets without any storefront staff in the spring, Nikkei has learned.

The move marks a turning point for Japan's retail industry, which is facing a serious labor shortage. Seven-Eleven is aiming to open unmanned stores in locations where it has been difficult to open in the past, such as tower condominiums and inside factories. Smartphone payments will be used to streamline operations..