Zippin launches checkout-free store at Houston’s NRG Stadium

US-based checkout-free technology firm Zippin has announced the opening of its second store in Houston’s NRG Stadium, in partnership with Aramark, the venue’s exclusive food and beverage provider.

Aramark has worked with Zippin since 2020.

At the Denver Broncos’ home, Empower Field at Mile High, for example, there are a total of nine Zippin powered stores and according to a recent article in Sports Business Journal, the average transaction time has declined from just more than two minutes to 37 seconds, with 30% of transactions at 15 seconds or less.

There has been an overall increase in sales per game, and a 42% increase in transitions during peak concessions sales periods.

If you're heading to NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, be sure to grab a drink and a snack from one of the two Ice House Express stores on the first level: sections 120 and 140. @rodeohouston @AramarkSports #checkoutfree https://t.co/WKB9xM6Sna
— Zippin (@GetZippin) March 1, 2022

“Partnering with Zippin has given us the opportunity to provide a best in class customer experience, while expanding the number of products on sale and increasing the amount of people we’re able to serve,” says Alicia Woznicki, Vice President, Design & Development, Aramark Sports and Entertainment.

“The speed and accuracy of checkout-free stores allow attendees to quickly get a refreshment or snack and return to the fun of the game, concert or activity they are there to enjoy.”

The Zippin powered Ice House Express stores at NRG Stadium, located on the first level, sections 120 and 140, allow shoppers to tap a credit card to enter a store and then select the items they want.

Zippin’s AI software automatically identifies the items, using overhead cameras and sensors, and adds them to a virtual shopping cart.

The consumer can put the items in their pocket, bag, purse, or simply carry them out. No checkout is required. When they exit, the purchases are automatically charged and a receipt is available online.

“We’re excited to work with Aramark to bring checkout-free technology to the millions of visitors NRG sees annually,” says Gary Jacobus, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Zippin.

“The next three weeks contain some of the most exciting moments of the year at NRG Stadium, attracting passionate fans to the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo.”

“Zippin allows rodeo goers to get what they need in seconds, experiencing the frictionless-shopping they want so they can get back to the action.”

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