Unmanned Retail Smart Lockers: The Key Growth Driver of New Retail

Unmanned retail smart lockers are fueling the growth of new retail by establishing a comprehensive industrial chain that includes FMCG suppliers, equipment manufacturers, operators/brand owners, venue partners, and end consumers. The midstream segment of the industry features two primary business models: operators manage the entire process—including equipment deployment, product selection, and operations—either through direct management or franchise models; meanwhile, brand owners enhance their existing distribution channels by utilizing self-operated smart lockers.

Boasting outstanding market performance, unmanned retail smart lockers effectively meet consumers' immediate and fragmented shopping needs, supported by the continuous enhancement of product functions. In 2024, the sales volume of China's unmanned retail smart locker sector reached 42 billion yuan, accounting for 97.2% of the total sales in the country's unmanned retail market. As of June 30, 2025, the number of unmanned retail lockers in operation on the Chinese mainland reached 1.5 million units, of which 1 million were smart lockers, representing approximately 66.7%.