An unmanned, self-checkout micro market opened recently aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. (Navy Exchange Service Command)
An unmanned, self-checkout micro market opened recently aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a second experiment in convenient retail at sea that gives sailors 24/7 access to food, beverages and other essentials.
Dubbed Micro Market@Sea, the tiny prototype shop is the second established aboard a warship by the Navy Exchange. The first one opened on the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio in December 2020.
At-sea shoppers can expect to find a variety of food, beverages and health and wellness items. The Dwight D. Eisenhower’s micro market has tallied about $200,000 in sales since serving its first sailor on Oct. 4, according to Navy Exchange Service Command.
“This self-service initiative strengthens the Navy’s quality of life mission and supports operational readiness by offering Sailors convenient and accessible necessities at any time of the day,” command spokeswoman Kristine Sturkie said by email Dec. 6. “Furthermore, the self-service register for checkout supports manning requirements.”
Retail service specialists – active-duty sailors who work with ship stores – are responsible for managing the micro markets and keeping them stocked. Self-checkouts allow them to serve concurrently in places like the ship’s store, laundry and barbershop.
There have been no reports of theft from the Dwight D. Eisenhower’s micro market, Sturkie said, adding that anti-theft mitigation measures are in place.
The at-sea concept was born out of ashore options that have been operating since 2015. Nearly 80 ashore markets can be found worldwide at Navy hospitals, shipyards, hangars and office spaces, Sturkie said.
“Navy Exchange Command is committed to continuous innovation and is ever-evolving to meet the needs of the Fleet and strengthening the Navy’s quality of life mission,” she said. “With that, the Micro Market ‘self-service’ concept began at shore commands to support Sailors who work around the clock.”
It’s unclear when other Navy ships can expect to see a micro market. Sturkie said the command will determine the way forward after the test phase ends in May aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., the carrier has been operating in the Middle East since October.
