11 cashless challenges: the first cashless store in Eastern Europe

The pet store in Novaja Baravaja (Minsk) has become a real sensation not only for Belarus but for the whole Eastern Europe. This is the first offline store in our region where customers can purchase just using a regular mobile application - without the participation of cashiers and sellers at all.

Entrance gates of ZOOQI X, a checkout-free store in Eastern Europe with automated access and self-service shopping technology.

Since "image of the result" is a must for any designer or architect before the start of a project three simple but crucial questions should be asked to client: what result would be the most satisfying for you, what outcome would you be fine with, and what result would be the minimum you could accept?

Customers inside ZOOQI X cashless store demonstrating the autonomous retail experience and smartphone-based shopping process.

Setting up a clear system, turning the conversation toward the client's specific vision, and getting on the same page regarding the final result are just the very beginning of any successful project delivery.

Major problem that many specialists faces in our region is the project realization coasts. 90% of our clients are people who travel a lot. Naturally, the idea to create a store does not come all of a sudden, but carried for a long time. Therefore, they begin to look for innovative retail stuff around the world: look, I want this cash register for myself, I want that showcase, I like this style, etc.

ZOOQI X team and visitors in front of the checkout-free pet store entrance, showcasing the launch of a new retail format.

For Architect Today, NZR shared the approach our team relies on in commercial projects.
We explain a few exercises that help clients describe what they expect even when they’re not ready for a detailed brief. We talk about why a commercial space has to win over the customer before the owner, why we plan how a space works before deciding how it looks, and how a clear roadmap keeps launch dates from slipping.

Read the full commentary on Architect Today: How Architecture Teams Turn Client Goals Into Clear Design Priorities