Ireland's first-ever "completely frictionless" store opens on Tuesday with shoppers promised a novel stress-free experience.
Market x Flutter will be based in Clonskeagh in Dublin 4 and uses AI-powered computer vision technology.
This allows customers to purchase items in-store without having to wait in line or stop to scan or pay.
The shop, developed for Flutter by Compass Group Ireland, stocks fresh meals including a selection of hot and chilled dishes to-go, as well as drinks and confectionery.
But how will it work?
According to Compass Group Ireland, the "truly friction-free shopping experience" will see customers ‘check in’ when entering and then freely wander through the store, selecting from the food items at their leisure.
There is no scanning or queuing involved and when they leave with their purchases, a receipt is delivered to their phone moments later.
The new store uses frictionless technology from global AI experts, AiFi and facial recognition is not needed with this technology "so there is complete anonymity", Compass Group Ireland said.
They added: "Once inside, computer vision cameras anonymously track the shopper, adding selected items to the virtual shopping cart. No facial recognition or biometrics are used, ensuring privacy."
The new contactless store will open Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm and will be open to the general public.
Opening the shop, Dublin Rathdown TD Josepha Madigan said it represents "an exciting innovation in retail and customer service".
"It is a new, user-friendly experience for customers and is a reflection of the creativity and dynamism of the food service industry in Ireland," she said.
"Flutter is an important investor in Ireland and its newly renovated global headquarters in Clonskeagh represents this ongoing commitment."
Deirdre O’Neill, Managing Director at innovative catering company Compass Group Ireland, said: “We’re incredibly excited by this new frictionless store technology, and are proud that our Irish operation is leading the way.
"We constantly look at how to offer the most convenient service to customers and tailor food solutions to their needs. Now, customers just pop into the store and pick up what they need, whenever they need it – it’s a great flexible solution for busy workers.”
Padraig O RIordAin, Chief Legal Officer & Group Commercial Director of Flutter, added: “Our new-look global headquarters in Dublin encapsulates Flutter’s 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. It is a great addition to the office space and we are grateful to Compass Group Ireland for making it a reality”.
