twenty4U Smartstores now with ID verification from jenID Solutions
Reliable technology meets innovative retail concepts: jenID Solutions GmbH, a leading provider of age and document authenticity checks, and twenty4U GmbH, a developer of modular smart stores, announce their collaboration. Shopping without opening hours and without any staff: twenty4U’s smart stores are already in operation at over 25 locations and offer more than 110 vending machines for snacks, drinks, vouchers, digital products, and services. Consumers can now also purchase tobacco, alcohol, and other age-restricted items there.
Age verification in seconds
The Genuine-ID digital solution from jenID Solutions verifies both the age and authenticity of ID documents in a matter of seconds. At checkout, the system automatically detects whether age-restricted products are in the shopping cart. In this case, the customer is asked to verify their age. This is done by placing the ID card or driver’s license on the scanner integrated into the vending machine. If the check is successful, the payment process is started automatically and the document can be removed. If the verification fails or it is not technically possible to read the document, the customer receives a corresponding message and can remove the affected products from the shopping cart or try again. Errors, such as an expired or invalid document, are displayed transparently. A particular advantage is that international ID cards and driver’s licenses are also reliably recognized. This makes the Smartstores suitable for worldwide use. The AI-supported technology provided by jenID ensures smooth and secure age verification and also complies with the highest European data protection standards.
Advantages for operators and consumers
BeyondShops are more than just analog vending machines. They combine intelligent merchandise management, ERP connectivity, and real-time management with security systems such as cashless payment, video surveillance, and vandal-proof components.
For operators:
• Legally compliant sale of goods subject to age restrictions
• Reduced personnel costs and cost minimization
• Centralized management of multiple locations
For consumers:
• Convenient shopping – easy to use, just like online shopping
• 24/7 availability
• Wide range of products
Customers also have the option of reserving goods and services online in advance. This means that desired products can be selected before visiting the smart store and are not subject to inventory uncertainties. For operators, this means planning security and stronger customer loyalty.
A new approach to the shopping experience
The possible applications range from gas stations and truck stops to hotels, clinics, and companies. Up to 311 different physical items and an unlimited number of digital products can be displayed in twenty4U smart stores—even high-quality coffee specialties and frozen products are included in the portfolio. This creates new sales potential for operators and maximum flexibility for end customers.
Growing market: Smartstores as a response to new consumer trends
More and more end customers want flexible shopping options around the clock, while retailers are faced with rising personnel and operating costs. Smartstores offer a sustainable solution here: they combine the advantages of online retail—such as reservation and availability of desired products—with immediate physical pickup on site. This creates hybrid shopping experiences that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life: from a quick snack on the go to the purchase of car wash coupons, tobacco products, or gift cards.
Partner quotes
“Our technology ensures compliance with the legal framework and offers legal certainty and trust – the basis for reliably offering age-restricted products in twenty4U’s smart stores,” says Michael Weisbach, CEO of jenID Solutions.
“With jenID’s Genuine-ID verification solution, we give our customers the security they expect and the opportunity to expand their product range to include products that are subject to a minimum age limit. With the combination of a comprehensive product range, technology, and legally compliant age verification from a single source, we offer an all-in-one smart store solution,” adds Alexander Burghardt, CEO of twenty4U.
