FREMONT, Calif. — Loop Neighborhood is expanding its partnership with AiFi, a provider of frictionless autonomous shopping experiences, to introduce AiFi's computer vision, camera-only platform to its existing stores in California, starting with two Bay Area locations. This expansion follows AiFi's initial partnership with Loop Neighborhood to design an autonomous gas station using AiFi's NanoStore model in Campbell, Calif., in 2019.
- Loop Neighborhood, owned by Vintners Distributors and based in Fremont, Calif., is No. 56 on CSP’s 2021 Top 202 ranking of c-stores by store count.
“We couldn't be more pleased to expand our partnership with Loop Neighborhood so their customers can start reaping the benefits of autonomous shopping through our computer vision-powered solution,” said Steve Gu, founder and CEO of AiFi.
Santa Clara, Calif.-based AiFi also powers the checkout experience at Choice Market, based in Denver.
AiFi's technology can recognize tens of thousands of SKUs including shelved products of any size and weight—from warm foods and fountain drinks to cell phone accessories and health and beauty essentials. Retailers can incorporate this technology without having to change their store layout, product assortment or shelf inventory.
“AiFi's NanoStore has been welcomed with open arms by our customers and we think they're ready for the next generation of AI-powered shopping,” said Pervez Pir, COO at Loop Neighborhood. “Our expanded partnership with AiFi will enable us to incorporate autonomous shopping technology into more stores, allowing our cashiers to focus on providing the best customer service—all while preserving the look and feel of a traditional shopping experience.”
AiFi's patented store platform combines cameras and artificial intelligence to create a frictionless shopping experience. AiFi's system integrates with existing store configurations and is capable of product recognition, shopper tracking and generating receipts.
With AiFi's hybrid solution, Loop Neighborhood provides customers the option to check out with a cashier or scan their LoopAutoCheckout QR code upon entering the store so they can purchase items without waiting in line. AiFi-powered automated checkout helps customers in a hurry get out the door faster, freeing up cashiers' time.
Following the opening of these two stores this summer, Loop Neighborhood plans to open additional AiFi-powered stores later this year.
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