Ireland’s first checkout-free supermarket launched
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
