Paris Baguette has introduced 24-hour "hybrid stores," a first in the franchise bakery industry. During daytime hours staff are present, while overnight the shops switch to an unmanned system. Customers enter during unmanned hours using credit card authentication, scan product barcodes and pay at kiosks; store activity is monitored in real time so franchisees can manage remotely. Pilot stores in Seoul showed rising late-night visits, with bread, sandwiches and cakes selling well after midnight. The company plans to expand the model in busy urban areas and steadily roll out more hybrid stores from 2026, aiming to boost customer convenience and franchise revenue. (Paris Baguette is a major Korean bakery franchise)
