Meet VenHub: A 24-Hour ‘Smart Store’ Powered By AI
People value convenience. Nothing beats having easy, frictionless access to things you need when you need them, especially when it comes to food and everyday products. VenHub, a fully-autonomous, AI-powered 24/7 smart store aims to offer just that. The startup has been quietly popping up around Los Angeles, first in North Hollywood, followed by Glendale, the Metro Transit Center at LAX and most recently, in Hollywood near the Hollywood Bowl.
VenHub stores offer snacks, travel essentials, and late-night needs through swift and accurate contactless service. Unlike traditional convenience stores, it only takes a few days for VenHub sites to be assembled and opened for business. In place of humans, when customers input orders, two robotic arms cycle around the store to retrieve the items, which can be viewed through the window.
For those concerned by this model replacing humans, VenHub has commented on their Instagram page that their “Smart Stores are owned by private individuals & families.” They added, “VenHub proudly supports job creation across multiple industries—from production and manufacturing to customer service, brand representatives, and even social media! As we grow, so do the opportunities we create for people to thrive in the future of retail.”
“We are seeing demand from cities, municipalities, transportation hubs, events and sports venues, operators, location owners, and global organizations and brands. Everyone is looking for retail solutions that are reliable, efficient, and designed for today,” said Shahan Ohanessian, Founder & CEO of VenHub.
Here is a list of VenHub locations currently operating in Los Angeles:
- HOLLYWOOD/HIGHLAND: 1841 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- NORTH HOLLYWOOD/VANOWEN: 11720 Vanowen St, North Hollywood, CA 91606
- MONTROSE/VERDUGO: 3450 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208
- LAX/METRO TRANSIT CENTER: 9600 Portal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045