Inside Vancouver's first self-serve 24/7 grocery store — how it works and everything you can buy
Have you ever woken up at 2 a.m. with a craving for one of your favourite snacks, only to look in your cupboards and discover you’re entirely out? Or perhaps you broke your last phone charger and need to get a replacement ASAP. Well, lucky for you, Vancouver’s newest market is open 24/7. What’s even cooler? It’s entirely self-serve.
Dished had the chance to sneak inside Aisle 24 before it opened to check out its offerings, as well as figure out how it all works.
To enter Aisle 24, you need to download the app to your smartphone and create an account. To do so, you need a credit card, and you’ll have to take a selfie to verify your identity through a third-party facial recognition human verification company. Once you’re all set up, simply show up to Aisle 24 and click “unlock” on the app. From there, the main door will open, where you’ll enter an anteroom. Wait for the main door to close fully, and then the second door will open, allowing you entry into the store.
Marco Ovies
From there, it works just like your standard shopping experience. You browse the store and grab whatever you need.
At this location you’ll find all sorts of essentials. There are, of course, a plethora of sweet and salty snacks (think potato chips, popcorn, and candy), as well as other essential items like cleaning supplies, pet food, phone chargers, eggs, milk, and so much more.
Marco Ovies/Dished
Each Aisle 24 location tailors its offerings to the local community, and this location offers an assortment of Asian snacks and drinks. Examples include an assortment of Japanese KitKats, Pocari Sweat, and both dried and frozen ramen kits.
Marco Ovies/Dished
Plus, for those wanting to stop by for a quick lunch, there’s also a section of grab-and-go boxes. The paneer curry with rice particularly caught our eye.
Marco Ovies/Dished
Once you’re done shopping, you simply head to one of the self-scan kiosks, which operate exactly the same as any other self-checkout you’ve encountered before. Simply scan each item, pay, and then you’re good to go. When it comes to cost, a representative shared that you can anticipate prices on par with other convenience stores in the area.
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Aisle 24’s first Vancouver location opens on May 9 at 4 p.m. During its grand opening, visitors can expect free samples, a DJ, and coupons. Additionally, Aisle 24 Robson will offer 15 percent off the entire store during its first month.
Aisle 24 Robson
Address: 1450 Robson St., Vancouver
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