SIUE opens Chimega Mart checkout free store powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Dining Services and the Morris University Center/Student Success Center have opened Chimega Mart, a cashierless convenience store located on the second floor of the Student Success Center.
Powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology, this allows students, employees and guests to grab food, drinks, and everyday essentials and skip checkout lines. Using a combination of sensors, cameras, and AI technology, the store automatically detects the items guests select and charges them digitally after they exit.
In response to students' requests for longer hours for food on campus, Chimega Mart is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, matching the hours of the Student Success Center. People can enter the store by swiping in with the GET app, which is connected to their SIUE Cougar Card. They can also enter by using a credit card.
“Chimega Mart offers a fast, seamless shopping experience designed to support student success and campus life,” says Kelly Jo Hendricks, Director of the Morris University Center/Student Success Center. “This technology driven store provides flexibility and convenience for students, faculty, staff and visitors.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Brarista, IBM Consulting, Foundit!, Quorso, Vusion, Sensei, Reckon.ai, EE, Walkbase, Globant, Riskified, and Goddiva were among the winners at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show.
Our 2026 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “According to Amazon’s Andy Jassy: AI is a once in a lifetime reinvention of everything we know, and the largest technology transformation since the cloud.”
“Whether that’s overstating it or not, we're certainly seeing an increasing number of innovative, potentially game changing developments in this space across both traditional and digital retail spaces. And that is reflected in tonight's finalists, who are boosting customer experiences and tackling retailers' painpoints across the likes of physical stores, online, omnichannel, supply chain, and payments.”
“To quote one of our judges: I have to admit, judging these awards was so difficult. So many that would have been worthy winners. And great to see how AI has moved firmly into delivery mode. Firmly into delivering for customers and driving huge innovation.”
Congratulations to our 2026 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended our Thursday, 29th January gathering.
Stay tuned for an indepth review of the awards ceremony in the next edition of RTIH magazine.
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