Compass Group UK & Ireland, part of foodservice business Compass Group, has unveiled plans to launch its first fully “frictionless” store in a workplace in early 2022. This store is set to open in Ireland followed by additional sites in the UK over the next year, including units within other corporate clients, as well as in the sports and leisure and defence sectors.

The new stores will utilise AiFi’s AI-powered computer vision technology which allows shoppers to purchase items in-store without having to wait in line or stop to scan or pay.  The stores will typically stock a selection of both hot and chilled ‘grab-n-go’ dishes, drinks and confectionery.

Described by Compass as “a truly friction-free 24/7 shopping experience”, customers ‘check in’ when entering and “then freely wander through the store selecting from the assortment at their leisure; no scanning and no queuing to pay.  They simply leave with their purchases and a receipt is delivered directly to their phone moments later”.

Facial recognition and biometrics are not being implemented with this technology, which Compass says will safeguard customer anonymity. Once inside, computer vision cameras anonymously track the shopper, adding the selected items to a virtual shopping cart.

The frictionless stores will be utilised either at sites where vending-only solutions exist currently, or where the new format can be included as a part of suite of options for the client, looking for a mix of self-service and serviced meal options. Compass employees will remain on hand to provide support to customers on site. The stores will typically stock a selection of hot and chilled ‘grab-n-go’ dishes, drinks and confectionary.

A Compass Ireland client workplace in South Dublin has been selected as the location for the first frictionless store. It will open as soon as working for home advice is lifted, probably early in 2022.  Trials have already been successfully carried out.

Ian Cranna, Future of Food Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching our frictionless store technology through our partnership with AiFi. At Compass 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.”

Jon Braithwaite, Chief Innovation Officer, Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “This food-to-go solution is the ultimate in seamless shopping and forms part of our long-term digital transformation plans.  This is a fantastic opportunity for us to add real value to the customer experience through technology, by offering great quality food round-the-clock, while delivering an experience which is as quick and frictionless as possible.”

Steve Gu, CEO & Founder, AiFi Inc., said: “AiFi is proud to partner with Compass Group to deploy our AI-powered frictionless shopping solution.  We are combining the highest level of convenience with the very best locally sourced and prepared food offerings from Compass Group, producing a win-win for busy workers”.