The combination of AI and consumption is gaining momentum in urban commercial districts, with smart products sold in physical stores attracting attention as souvenirs among foreign tourists. A store selling AI robots in Beijing’s Wangfujing district illustrates the spread of a new, experience-driven form of consumption.
At an embodied AI robot retail store in Wangfujing, Beijing, robots greet visitors, while robot dogs and components are displayed in the shop windows. Tourists and local residents can try out the physical technology products. In-store operation is described as being similar to playing a mobile game, and the products are available for purchase at prices ranging from several tens of thousands of yuan to over ¥100,000.
The expansion of smart hardware stores into urban commercial districts demonstrates the development of AI + consumption. In June this year, the Ministry of Commerce and 7 other authorities issued implementation opinions that specifically identified support for AI companies opening branded stores and exhibition and experience centers.
The Wangfujing store also offers more affordable products, including AI glasses, a smart guitar and AI toys, and its broad range of products for different customer segments has been well received. A tourist from Romania said that the products were “all very interesting,” while some foreign visitors purchase high-tech toys as souvenirs of their trips to China.
A wide range of smart technology products is becoming established in urban commercial districts, with China’s well-developed industrial system and consumption environment generating sustained positive effects. Government policy support and industrial development are boosting the vitality of the AI + consumption market and creating opportunities for commercial districts to transform and upgrade.