The first unmanned convenience store in Shanghai, opened in early June, temporarily closed its doors last week after a power outage hit its air conditioning system. /CFP Photo

A notice posted on the store’s locked door, which customers ordinarily enter by scanning a QR code, says it is undergoing technical maintenance. /CFP Photo

The store operator says the 10-square-meter shop in Yangpu District is expected to reopen in a couple of weeks, with more refrigerators to keep food fresh in the hot summer. /CFP Photo

The 24-hour convenience store is a pilot in China, although a similar project has been attempted in Sweden. Retail bigwigs are now racing to invest in similar business models. /CFP Photo