JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 23 — The use of small retail spaces, cashless payment systems, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring is enabling micro-entrepreneurs to explore the unmanned store concept as a strategy to lower operating costs.

This model has been adopted by, among others, a used clothing shop in Kampung Melayu Majidee here, which operates in a space measuring just “10 feet by 10 feet (10x10)” with no attendant on site.

Its proprietor Mohd Idham Zamzuri said the self-service concept helps control operating costs by using less space, while also letting customers select items and pay themselves using QR (quick response) codes. 

He said three CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor operations, while every item is equipped with price tags and product information to help customers choose without staff assistance. 

“I drew inspiration from the concept of unmanned stores in Japan and saw that this approach could be implemented on a small scale here.

“The capital to set up this shop was around RM8,000, including renovation work that I did on my own,” he told Bernama recently.

Mohd Idham said that about 80 per cent of the items at the premises are sold for under RM100, alongside “combo” deals — such as two pieces for RM50 or three for RM100 — designed to encourage stock turnover while simultaneously managing the risk of loss. 

Commuting daily between Pasir Gudang and Majidee, he also inspects the premises and replenishes stock about twice a week. 

Reflecting on his business journey, Mohd Idham said he started in 2013 at age 19 with an initial capital of RM300 — generated from selling pre-owned (or pre-loved) goods — before gradually growing that capital.  

He then continued the business through physical sales locations and online platforms before opening the self-service premises last May. 

Meanwhile, a customer Ghazali Md Rawi said the concept is practical because customers can still clearly access product information and make payments themselves, even without a shop attendant present. 

“In my view, this concept can be extended to other sectors, as it can decrease operating costs without compromising customer comfort,” he said. 

A Bernama visit to the unmanned shop found that a telephone number is also provided, allowing customers to contact the operator should they encounter difficulties while making a purchase. — Bernama