Customer Experience

Compass Group teams with AiFi on ‘frictionless’ shopping

Image courtesy of Compass Group PLC.

December 17, 2021

Compass Group UK & Ireland will launch its first fully "frictionless" store in a workplace in early 2022, tapping AiFi's artificial intelligence based computer vision technology, according to a press release. The store is set to open in Ireland in early 2022 followed by additional sites in the U.K. over the next year, including units within other corporate clients, as well as in the sports and leisure and defense sectors.

The technology allows shoppers to purchase items in-store without having to wait in line or stop to scan or pay.

Customers will check in when entering, then freely wander through the store selecting from the assortment without scanning or queuing to pay. They leave with their purchases and a receipt is delivered directly to their phone.

Computer vision cameras anonymously track the shopper, adding the selected items to a virtual shopping cart. No facial recognition or biometrics are used.

The frictionless stores will be utilized either at sites where vending-only solutions exist currently, or where the new format can be included as a part of a suite of options for the client.

Compass employees will remain on hand to provide support.

A Compass client workplace in South Dublin was selected as the first location for this innovative new foodservices solution.