Urban convenience store Choice Market is partnering with Adroit Worldwide Media (AWM) to provide frictionless technology solutions for its automated Mini-Mart concept.
Aliso Viejo, California-based AWM provides end-to-end business automation and insights to the retail, industrial supply and healthcare sectors. Its exclusive partnership with Choice Market will allow Choice to rapidly scale its automated Mini-Mart format across multi-family developments, campuses, festivals, electric-vehicle (EV) charging destinations and hospitality properties nationwide, AWM said.
“We selected AWM as our preferred frictionless checkout and tech development partner because they share our vision for the future of retail and can support our rapid pace of innovation,” said Mike Fogarty, CEO and founder of Denver-based Choice Market. “AWM's expertise in computer vision and artificial intelligence, coupled with their commitment to deliver real time data and actionable insights made them the ideal partner. This partnership will accelerate Choice's plans to roll out a new digital experience with disruptive features and functionality.”
The AI-powered, fully autonomous Mini-Marts are about the size of a shipping container, and they can be moved from a downtown neighborhood in Denver to a concert venue, hospital, train station or other locations, Fogarty previously told CSP Daily News. Using Choice Market’s app, customers scan a QR code when they enter the store. The app then delivers a receipt within minutes of a purchase, similar to the Amazon Go concept.
“We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking journey with Choice Market as their chosen frictionless technology provider,” AWM’s CEO Kevin Howard said. “AWM's commitment to innovation aligns seamlessly with Choice Market's vision for the future of shopping. Together, we aim to revolutionize the retail landscape by providing customers with unparalleled convenience and a seamless, technology-driven shopping experience.”
In March 2023, Choice Market announced it had raised about $10 million to fund the expansion of the Mini-Mart concept. It also has five 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot stores in Denver.
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