Checkout-free stores now live in 20 countries across the world: RBR

Linda Stewart — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:22:57 +0000

The number of stores across the world using checkout-free technology increased threefold during 2021 to more than 250.

In most cases this is installed within the physical infrastructure of the store, tracking customers as they move around. Other retailers have deployed smart carts for larger basket sizes, which have the technology fitted to the carts themselves.

Amazon has the largest number of checkout-free stores globally, mostly in the USA and the UK, with plans for expansion in these markets and others. These locations use its Just Walk Out solution, although other retailers are also using the firm’s technology, including travel convenience store chain Hudson.

RBR’s research shows a wide range of suppliers are present in the market, with technology from firms such as AiFi, Zippin and Trigo live in an ever increasing number of stores.

A number of large supermarket chains, including Ahold Delhaize, REWE and Tesco, are also piloting the technology in existing outlets.

In addition, startups have been opening concept stores to showcase their own checkout-free offerings. To date, checkout-free stores have mainly been small in scale, with cart-based technology deployed in larger supermarket formats.

RBR forecasts the number of stores with checkout-free technology around the world will reach more than 12,000 by the end of 2027. If pilots at big box and grocery retailers are deemed successful there will be more extensive roll-outs across store networks.

The USA, China and large European markets will see the strongest growth in the number of checkout-free stores in the years ahead, with many other markets right across the world expected to see expansion too.

RBR’s Alex Maple said: “Physical retail is undergoing unprecedented change, with retailers investing heavily in technologies to transform their stores, making customer journeys smoother, and helping to offset rising labour costs and shortages in several markets.

“While the deployment of checkout-free technology in some countries has been faster than in others, these stores have been set up in every region across the world.”

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Ireland’s first checkout-free supermarket launched

Linda Stewart — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:52:54 +0000

Ireland’s first contactless food store has opened its doors at Flutter Entertainment’s global headquarters in Dublin.

Market x Flutter uses AI-powered computer vision technology which allows shoppers to purchase their items without waiting in line or stopping to scan or pay.

The store at Clonskeagh, Dublin 4 is open to the general public and is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Customers will download an app which will be linked to their credit or debit card and scan their phone on entering the store. Once inside, cameras will anonymously track the shopper as they select their items without having to scan or queue. When they leave the store, a receipt will be delivered to their phone within moments.

The shop uses more than 90 cameras and artificial technology to let shoppers grab and go without waiting in line, but Flutter says that no facial recognition or biometric technology is used, ensuring shoppers have “complete anonymity”.

Market x Flutter stocks fresh meals including hot and chilled dishes as well as drinks and snacks. The store was developed for Flutter by Compass Group Ireland and uses AI technology by AiFi.

There are plans to introduce similar stores in other corporate offices as well as in the sports and leisure sectors.

Local Minister for Dublin-Rathdown, Josepha Madigan, attended the opening and hailed the enterprise as an exciting innovation that represents the creativity and dynamism of the food service industry in Ireland.

“Flutter is an important investor in Ireland and its newly renovated global headquarters in Clonskeagh represents this ongoing commitment,” she said.

The store is “the ultimate in seamless shopping”, according to Deirdre O’Neill, Managing Director at Compass Group Ireland.

Padraig Ó Ríordáin, Chief Legal Officer & Group Commercial Director at Flutter Entertainment, and the Executive Lead for the Dublin office, said: “Our new look global headquarters in Dublin encapsulates our vision for the future of work.”

“We have made a significant investment in this modern, agile and flexible workspace, and are excited for our colleagues based here to experience all it has to offer.”

“The frictionless store is just one example of its many unique features and is indicative of the kind of innovative work that our talented team, based here, delivers every day.”

He adds: “It is a great addition to the office space and we are grateful to Compass Group Ireland for making it a reality.”

Ian Cranna, Future of Food Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, comments: “We’re constantly looking at opportunities to offer an even more convenient service to the millions of customers we serve every day, while continuing to provide access to great food and drink.”

“This cutting-edge technology will provide customers with additional convenience and the ability to quickly pop into our store and pick up what they need – it’s a great solution for busy workers.”

Caption: Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan at Ireland’s first ‘frictionless’ shop Market x Flutter

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Checkout-free stores now live in 20 countries across the world: RBR

Ireland’s first checkout-free supermarket launched