VenHub Global, a trailblazer in autonomous retail technology, has recently launched its flagship Smart Store at the LAX/Metro Transit Center in Los Angeles. This innovative retail solution promises to redefine convenience for the millions of travelers and transit riders navigating one of the world’s busiest airports each year.
Positioned strategically to cater to the influx of visitors anticipated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, VenHub is stepping boldly into the spotlight. The introduction of the Smart Store signifies not only a technological advance but also a commitment to enhancing the consumer experience in bustling urban environments.
Shahan Ohanessian, the Founder and CEO of VenHub, articulates the vision behind this groundbreaking initiative, stating, “Retail should work for people, not the other way around.” The Smart Store is designed to provide essential goods to consumers when and where they need them. “It’s about giving people access to what they need, exactly when they need it, with safety and simplicity built into every interaction,” he affirms.
With the VenHub Smart Store, travelers can enjoy a unique shopping experience that combines cutting-edge technology with seamless service. The Smart Store is operational 24/7, ensuring that whether you’re en route to a terminal or catching a connecting bus, the store is there to meet your needs. “Always open, always secure, and always designed around the customer,” Ohanessian emphasizes the store’s commitment to convenience.
As a pioneer in unattended retail, VenHub recognizes that being the first comes with significant responsibility. “It’s our obligation to keep pushing the edge of what’s possible,” Ohanessian notes, reflecting on the company’s growth and innovation trajectory. With over $300 million in pre-orders for Smart Stores across the U.S., VenHub is ramping up production to satisfy increasing demand.
What makes VenHub’s Smart Store truly impressive is its self-sufficient nature. Built on an autonomous, AI-powered platform, these stores can be installed in less than a week and operate autonomously without the need for on-site staff. Thanks to an integrated system of robotics, machine vision, and IoT technology, transactions can be completed in as little as 90 seconds, ensuring a fast and efficient shopping experience.
The Smart Stores are highly adaptable, adjusting inventory and merchandising based on various factors such as location, customer behavior, and time of day. This level of personalization not only enhances customer satisfaction but also showcases VenHub’s commitment to setting a new standard in retail convenience.
This launch marks the beginning of VenHub’s collaboration with LA Metro, with plans already in motion to expand Smart Store locations throughout Southern California. These retail units aim to serve transit-connected communities, providing them with a contactless and swift shopping experience that is accessible any time of day, year-round.
Jennifer Vides, the Chief Customer Experience Officer of LA Metro, expresses the organization’s vision: “We are committed to enhancing every step of our customers’ journeys.” Partnering with VenHub aligns with Metro’s focus on innovation and offers a glimpse into how commercial amenities can improve the rider experience at public transit stations.
This partnership exemplifies the potential of merging public infrastructure with private sector advancements to foster everyday improvements for commuters. On June 6, VenHub celebrated the official opening of its Smart Store by welcoming local government officials, partners, and the public. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the store, place live orders, and observe the robotics technology in action, further solidifying VenHub’s place as a leader in autonomous retail.