Regional convenience chain debuts ‘scan and go’ shopping

Loop Neighborhood is introducing an autonomous, frictionless shopping experience at two stores in the Bay area.

Based in Fremont, Calif., Loop Neighborhood operates more than 40 stores across the state of California. The convenience retailer is expanding an existing partnership with autonomous shopping platform provider AiFi to introduce the vendor’s computer vision, camera-only platform to its existing stores in California, starting with two Bay Area locations.

This rollout follows Loop Neighborhood’s launch of a fully autonomous gas station store using AiFi’s NanoStore model in Campbell, Calif. in 2019. AiFi’s end-to-end NanoStore autonomous store platform combines cameras and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software to create a frictionless shopping experience. 

The technology can accurately 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 items. Loop Neighborhood can incorporate the platform without having to change its store layout, product assortment, or shelf inventory.

Colorado-based grocery retailer Choice Market, is also utilizing AiFi NanoStore technology to offer frictionless shopping. The solution has also been used in a pop-up store at the 2021 Indianapolis 500 auto race, and in a two-month pilot at an Albert Heijn (Ahold Delhaize banner) store at Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Leveraging the AiFi 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. Following the opening of these two stores this summer, Loop Neighborhood plans to open additional AiFi-powered stores later this year.  

“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.”  
 
“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.