A pilot shopping assistance project using smart speakers has launched in Iijicho, with V Drug and Iiji Store collaborating to introduce a new purchasing method. Orders from a dedicated catalog are accepted by telephone, in-store or by video call, and products are collected once a week.
A launch ceremony for the pilot shopping assistance project using smart speakers was held at Iiji Store on 8 October. The project is intended to expand the scope of shopping assistance beyond the distribution of local information. Smart speakers have been installed in approximately 178 households in Iijicho, and the collaboration expands the project's coverage.
The pilot is based on an agreement between Chubu Yakuhin, a member of the VALOR HOLDINGS CO.,LTD. group that operates V Drug, and Iiji Store. Customers select products from a dedicated catalog and place orders by telephone, in-store or through the video-calling function of a smart speaker, then collect their orders at Iiji Store once a week. Ten households have started using the service.
Approximately 30 local residents and others attended the launch ceremony, where orders were demonstrated using the video-calling function and the first orders were handed over. Users welcomed the ability to order daily necessities and seasonings, among other products. The parties plan to assess the project's effectiveness and operating methods by studying usage and needs.