AiFi technology powers frictionless checkout stores at Arena Milano for Winter Olympics 2026

The Winter Olympics 2026 are up and running and one of the venues, Arena Milano, features checkout free stores powered by AiFi technology.

In a LinkedIn post, Chryssi Soteriades, Regional Sales Executive at AiFi, said: “Proud moment to celebrate the launch of Arena Milano, a truly world class venue setting a new benchmark for live entertainment, technology, and fan experience. Openings its doors to the Olympics ice hockey game this week.”

She added: “This launch represents a series of important firsts, from cutting-edge design and operations to the first four of six AiFi frictionless checkout stores in Italy, delivered to the highest global standards. This is a milestone moment for the Italian market and a clear signal of where the future of venues is heading.”

“Excited for what comes next, and proud to have been part of this landmark launch! Big thanks to the AiFi team for delivering the impossible flawlessly every time.”

AiFi’s Simon Woods said: “Proud moment right here, being part of the AiFi team in delivering another group of frictionless stores at such an iconic venue, but also launching onto the world stage of the Winter Olympics.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Frictionless stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.