Luckin Coffee is testing out self-service coffee machines
Photograph: courtesy Luckin Coffee
After opening more than 2,000 stores in the past couple years, Luckin Coffee is planning a new concept based on unmanned self-service coffee machines. It may even become the company’s main expansion strategy in the near future, according to an interview with Rancaijing.
Luckin's model has always been based on convenience: order through your phone, pay with mobile, and then pick it up or have it delivered. For this new venture, Luckin Coffee Express, the vending machines would be set up in public spaces like office buildings and school campuses. Using the Luckin app, consumers would be able to locate the nearest machine, place an order on their way, and pick up a drink after scanning a QR at the machine. However this time, the entire process will be fully automated without any employees working at them.
Luckin is currently the second-biggest coffee player in China after Starbucks. Its goal for 2019 is to grab the number one spot by opening a total of 4,500 stores across the country. Although the release date of release and locations of Luckin Express have yet to be revealed, it won't be long until it starts testing the blue coffee machines meaning we're one step closer to getting a flat white with zero human interaction.