Frictionless Checkout: A Win for the University of San Diego & University of Denver

Frictionless Checkout: A Win for the University of San Diego & University of Denver

In the fast-paced world of university life, time is of the essence.

Between lectures, assignments, extracurricular activities, and social engagements, every moment counts. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, one aspect that often slows students down is the need to wait in line for basic necessities like snacks and drinks.

But what if there was a way to skip the lines altogether? What if students could breeze through their campus convenience stores, pick up their favorite items with ease, and be on their way in a matter of seconds? This is where frictionless checkout comes into play—a game-changer in the realm of campus retail.

Understanding Frictionless Checkout

Frictionless checkout is not just a convenience; it's a paradigm shift in the way we approach shopping. Imagine walking into your campus convenience store, picking up your favorite snacks and drinks, and simply walking out, all without the need to wait in line or deal with cashiers. 

This seamless experience is possible thanks to frictionless checkout, an innovative concept that eliminates the traditional barriers and hassles associated with payment.

Powered by cutting-edge technology like AiFi's autonomous checkout systems, frictionless checkout revolutionizes the shopping experience for students on campus. 

But don’t just take our word for it––check out a few real-life examples.

As technology continues to shape the future of retail, it’s becoming increasingly clear that customers seek more than just efficiency. They want meaningful connections and memorable experiences.

It’s not that people are averse to the idea of autonomous stores. In fact, 60% of today's shoppers prefer the convenience of cashierless checkout over traditional cashier-assisted methods. The real challenge lies in striking a balance between the allure of automation and the irreplaceable human touch.

The University of San Diego Success Story

The University of San Diego (USD) partnered with AiFi to bring the future of retail to its campus. Together, they have transformed the shopping experience at the Smart Market, located in the Knauss Center for Business Education.

AiFi’s computer vision technology lies at the heart of this transformation. Through retrofitting the university’s existing Smart Market with AiFi’s system, students now have the freedom to select their desired food and drink items without the hassle of waiting in line and scanning to pay.

With just a few taps on a dedicated app, students can access the Smart Market and explore a wide range of food and drink options. Since its introduction, the newly frictionless market has consistently delivered impressive metrics: 

  • A total trip time of 1 minute 7 seconds.
  • A 67% increase in repeat customers.
  • An average basket revenue of $6.

Consider the scenario of a customer browsing through a virtual catalog within an autonomous store. While technology streamlines the shopping process, it's the human touch—a friendly greeting, a helpful suggestion—that transforms the transaction into a memorable experience. By bridging the gap between technology and humanity, retailers can elevate the customer journey and foster deeper connections with their audience.

The University of Denver Success Story

The University of Denver (DU) has embraced a revolutionary partnership with AiFi, transforming the student shopping experience at Nelson Hall in collaboration with Sodexo. Say goodbye to the days of tedious checkout lines and scanning items one by one. Now, students enjoy a seamless shopping journey, all thanks to the power of autonomous technology.

Picture this: With just a few taps on their smartphones, students effortlessly select their favorite food and drinks, bypassing the traditional hassle of waiting in queues. It's a game-changer, allowing students to grab what they need and dash to their next class without missing a beat.

Since the rollout at Nelson Hall, the impact has been remarkable:

  • A 30% increase in customers in the first 3 months. 
  • An increased number of customers. 
  • Reallocation of labor––those who used to stock shelves now prepare fresh meals. 
  • Increased satisfaction and retention.

Why Autonomous Stores are a Perfect Fit for Universities

1. Efficiency 

AiFi streamlines the shopping experience, allowing students to quickly access what they need without relying on the traditional checkout process. With our computer vision technology, students can breeze through campus dining facilities with minimal wait times, always ensuring a smooth flow of traffic. 

2. Convenience 

Frictionless checkout allows students to enjoy a seamless shopping experience all through their smartphones. With AiFi, students can simply grab what they need and go, eliminating the need for long checkout lines and saving precious time. 

3. Flexibility

AiFi’s autonomous stores are designed to be adaptable to the unique needs and environments of each university campus. Whether integrated into existing dining facilities or deployed as standalone units, AiFi’s technology allows universities to tailor the shopping experience to meet the specific preferences of their student population. 

4. In-the-Moment Insights

AiFi's autonomous checkout solutions provide universities with valuable real-time data and insights into student shopping behaviors. By analyzing this data, universities can gain a deeper understanding of student preferences, optimize inventory management, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the overall campus dining experience.

5. Engagement and Satisfaction

The convenience and efficiency of AiFi's autonomous stores play a key role in boosting student engagement and satisfaction levels. By offering students a seamless and stress-free shopping experience, universities can create a positive campus atmosphere and foster a strong sense of community among students.

💡Check out this resource for more––AiFi at Universities: Making the Student Dining Experience Better.

Final Thoughts

Through real-life success stories from the University of San Diego and the University of Denver, we've seen firsthand the transformative power of frictionless checkout. From reducing wait times and increasing customer satisfaction to optimizing operational efficiency and driving revenue growth, the benefits are clear.

With AiFi leading the charge in autonomous store solutions, the possibilities are endless. Whether it's streamlining checkout processes, offering personalized shopping experiences, or providing valuable insights into student behavior, frictionless checkout is poised to revolutionize the way we shop on campus.

Contact us to learn more.



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