Wakefern to test frictionless stores
Trigo, an Israel-based computer vision company that provides frictionless checkout technology, and Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, announced an agreement to pilot an autonomous supermarket making use of Trigo's AI-based frictionless checkout technology.
Wakefern, the logistics, distribution and merchandising arm for ShopRite stores, is comprised of nearly 50 member companies that independently own and operate close to 360 retail supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners.
[Read More: Wakefern taps CitrusAd to drive omnichannel shopping experiences]
Following numerous successful launches with some of the top 10 ranking European industry partners like the UK's Tesco and Germany's REWE, Aldi NORD and Netto, owned by The EDEKA Group – the Wakefern announcement marks Trigo's first foray into the U.S.
Trigo transforms existing supermarkets and grocers into fully autonomous, digital stores, combining their technology with Trigo computer vision to create a seamless shopping experience.
"Trigo is proud to work with some of the largest grocery retailers around the world, so partnering with Wakefern Food Corp., was a natural step for the company," said Michael Gabay, Trigo's co-founder and CEO. "By helping Wakefern convert some store formats, or develop new ones that are exclusive to their brands, we can help them accelerate their growth within the market and pave the way for frictionless shopping in the future."
[Read More: Wakefern taps dunnhumby to inform merchandising decisions]
Applying Trigo's GDPR compliant technology to various locations will allow retailers to successfully scale their business while maintaining their unique character and layout. Shoppers use an app to scan a QR code as they enter, and then will be free to pick up items and leave without having to checkout — there is no exit gate, according to the company.
"With Trigo's frictionless technology, Wakefern Food Corp., is opening up access to cutting edge innovation for our members," said Charlie McWeeney, vice president of technology, innovation, and strategy at Wakefern. "We are excited to pilot Trigo's solution and offer our consumers the ultimate in checkout convenience."