At Zippin, our partnerships are key to accelerating frictionless retail and delivering the convenience and speed of checkout-free shopping anywhere. Today, we’re thrilled to announce a new global partnership with Mastercard to support its Shop Anywhere platform, which enables retailers to create simple, personalized shopping experiences in stores based on consumers’ needs and without compromising privacy. The first Shop Anywhere stores to launch as a result of this collaboration will debut beginning this summer in the U.S., Europe, and South America.
“Consumers are seeking out shopping experiences that bridge their physical and digital worlds, and prioritizing technology that factors in safety and convenience,” says Pete Balsavias, senior vice president of Global Commerce and Innovation at Mastercard. “Mastercard is committed to delivering exceptional retail experiences at scale with our frictionless retail technology solutions, and we look forward to collaborating with Zippin to further that mission.”
Zippin’s proven, flexible, quick-to-deploy AI technology, which uses advanced computer vision, deep learning, and sensor fusion, will be integrated into the Shop Anywhere platform. The platform can be deployed across a range of physical spaces, from stadiums and venues, to convenience stores, shopping malls, and airports. Our primary goals are to ensure the highest degree of accuracy, and the best shopper experience, creating a win/win for any retailer.
Half a million consumers love checkout-free shopping
Zippin has already deployed its checkout-free tech in more than 40 stores across the U.S., with the remaining 10 internationally, most recently including:
- Two “Buzz City” Zippin Lane’s inside the Spectrum Center, home to the Charlotte Hornets
- A new Ice House Express, the second checkout-free venue at NRG Stadium in Houston in partnership with Aramark, where the 20-days-long Houston Livestock and Rodeo
- West Market, the largest Zippin-powered convenience store featuring more than 2,500 different SKUs in its 4,000-square-feet space
- Four Zippin-powered stores at a premier East Coast NBA arena
- Three new stores at a Fortune 20 office park
This footprint gives Zippin a major edge over the competition. With each new store launch, Zippin’s AI expands its ability to deliver the best experience for retailers who benefit from dynamic data and insights about store operations, inventory levels, and consumer actions and behavior.
While retailers are under immense pressure to deliver fast, efficient experiences for consumers, especially in high-traffic venues where time is limited, we recognize that speed can’t come at the expense of accuracy. Our technology stands out for its ability to work effectively in a variety of challenging environments, from crowded sports and entertainment venues, to airports, and convenience stores.
How It Works
Shoppers simply tap a credit card or scan a QR code to enter a Zippin-powered Shop Anywhere store. They then select the items they want and zip out. Our AI software automatically identifies the items picked, or put back, using sensors and overhead cameras, and creates a virtual shopping cart. With the integration of Mastercard’s Shop Anywhere platform, the virtual shopping cart and payment are securely processed after exiting the store. With shopping times for a quick purchase down to just a few seconds, guests can speedily get back to the things that matter most in their lives.
Our plan is to open many more Zippin-powered stores by the end of the year, helping retailers increase throughput, improve ROI, and provide an excellent customer experience.
