Abstract: A computer system is provided for operating a graphical user interface (GUI) to enable a customer to select products. The system comprises a displaying mechanism displaying virtual shelves containing a plurality of first selectable elements in a form of product images arranged on the shelves to represent available products in a group of products selected by the customer, and a plurality of second selectable elements attached to respective first selectable elements. The second selectable elements are in a form of a price tags or price labels attached to the respective product images.

Abstract: A novel retail system with a purchase check-out mechanism enabling customers to pick up pre-ordered purchases is provided. The retail system comprises at least one purchase check-out facility having multiple purchase pick-up points, and an assignment arrangement for assigning the purchase pick-up points to the customers. A customer is provided with information identifying a purchase pick-up point assigned to that customer. A request for collecting a purchase pre-ordered by a customer is issued simultaneously with assigning a purchase pick-up point for that customer. The collected purchase is delivered to the assigned purchase pick-up point.

Abstract: A novel multimedia system for enabling a customer to order a required product in a retail system. The multimedia system has a voice recognition mechanism for recognizing a voice input, and a display mechanism responsive to the recognized voice input for displaying images assisting the customer in ordering the product during a product ordering session. The voice recognition mechanism and the display mechanism may be elements of a product ordering terminal in a retail facility.

Abstract: A novel system provided for selling goods has an electronic device configured to enable a customer to access a group of items pre-selected for the customer based on an evaluation made when the goods are tried on by a human model having similar individual characteristics as the customer. The evaluation is performed by the human model trying on the goods to evaluate whether the goods fit the customer, and/or by an expert evaluating whether the goods are suitable for a human model trying on the goods. The goods are classified in accordance with a pre-set classification. Human models are selected to represent categories of the pre-set classification. The goods are tried on by the human models of the respective categories, and are evaluated to determine evaluation marks. Individual characteristics of a customer are obtained to determine to which category in the pre-set classification the customer belongs.

Abstract: A novel retail system that combines a computer-implemented product ordering system for enabling customers to order all products available in the retail system, and a plurality of retail stores for selling a limited number of items selected among the products available for ordering through the product ordering system. A computer-implemented management system provides coordinative merchandise management in the product ordering system and the retail stores. The retail system includes a plurality of retail facilities including the retail stores, and having product ordering terminals and product-obtaining areas for enabling customers to order products and pick up products ordered in advance.

Abstract: A novel retail system is provided with an advance ordering system that enables a customer to order a purchase in advance. At least one storage facility is arranged for storing goods available for ordering. Multiple retail facilities remote with respect to the storage facility enable a customer to obtain the ordered purchase after a time period sufficient to deliver the ordered purchase from the storage facility to a retail facility selected by the customer. At least one of the retail facilities has a drive-through check-out arrangement that enables a customer sitting in a vehicle to pick up the ordered purchase without leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer system is provided for operating a graphical user interface (GUI) to enable a customer to select products. The system comprises a displaying mechanism displaying virtual shelves containing a plurality of first selectable elements in a form of product images arranged on the shelves to represent available products in a group of products selected by the customer. Also, the virtual shelf contains a plurality of second selectable elements attached to respective first selectable elements. The second selectable elements are in a form of a price tags or price labels attached to the respective product images. Further, the displaying mechanism displays a purchase icon such as a “basket” or “shopping card” that represents a purchase composed of items currently selected by the customer.

Abstract: A novel retail system that combines a computer-implemented product ordering system for enabling customers to order all products available in the retail system, and a plurality of retail stores for selling a limited number of items selected among the products available for ordering through the product ordering system. A computer-implemented management system provides coordinative merchandise management in the product ordering system and the retail stores. The retail system includes a plurality of retail facilities including the retail stores, and having product ordering terminals and product-obtaining areas for enabling customers to order products and pick up products ordered in advance.

Abstract: A novel system provided for selling goods has an electronic device configured to enable a customer to access a group of items pre-selected for the customer based on an evaluation made when the goods are tried on by a human model having similar individual characteristics as the customer. The evaluation is performed by the human model trying on the goods to evaluate whether the goods fit the customer, and/or by an expert evaluating whether the goods are suitable for a human model trying on the goods. The goods are classified in accordance with a pre-set classification. Human models are selected to represent categories of the pre-set classification. The goods are tried on by the human models of the respective categories, and are evaluated to determine evaluation marks. Individual characteristics of a customer are obtained to determine to which category in the pre-set classification the customer belongs.

Abstract: A novel system for preventing unauthorized access to products is provided in a retail system in order to prevent exposure of the products to contamination caused by bioterrorism. The system for preventing unauthorized access comprises an order-processing system for receiving a purchase order from a customer, and a tracking system for tracking the ordered product until the product is received by the customer. In particular, the system for preventing unauthorized access is suitable for preventing exposure of food products handled in a retail system to contamination by unwanted or dangerous substances.

Abstract: A novel retail system with a purchase check-out mechanism enabling customers to pick up pre-ordered purchases is provided. The retail system comprises at least one purchase check-out facility having multiple purchase pickup points, and an assignment arrangement for assigning the purchase pick-up points to the customers. A customer is provided with information identifying a purchase pick-up point assigned to that customer. A request for collecting a purchase pre-ordered by a customer is issued simultaneously with assigning a purchase pick-up point for that customer. The collected purchase is delivered to the assigned purchase pick-up point.

Abstract: A novel retail system is provided with an advance ordering system that enables a customer to order a purchase in advance. At least one storage facility is arranged for storing goods available for ordering. Multiple retail facilities remote with respect to the storage facility enable a customer to obtain the ordered purchase after a time period sufficient to deliver the ordered purchase from the storage facility to a retail facility selected by the customer. At least one of the retail facilities has a drive-through check-out arrangement that enables a customer sitting in a vehicle to pick up the ordered purchase without leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A novel retail system is provided with purchase ordering facilities that contain samples of items offered for sale. A portable device carried by a customer is provided in the purchase ordering facility for reading indicia on the samples to select required items to be included in a purchase order. A purchase ordering terminal is installed for enabling the customer to order all products available in the retail system including items that are not represented by the samples contained in the purchase ordering facility.