Ireland’s first ‘frictionless’ grocery shop has opened its doors in Dublin.

The shop allows customers to pick up items and buy them electronically without the need to pay at the register.

‘Market x Flutter’ is located at the newly-opened headquarters of global sports betting and gaming company Flutter Entertainment in Clonskeagh – but it is open to the public.

The shop uses more than 90 cameras and artificial technology to let shoppers grab and go without waiting in line.

Flutter said that no facial recognition or biometric technology is used, ensuring shoppers have “complete anonymity”.

Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan at Ireland’s first ‘frictionless’ shop Market x Flutter, 15-02-2022. Image: Julien Behal

Customers ‘check-in’ on entry and then “freely wander through the store, selecting from the food offering at their leisure; no scanning and no queuing”.

When they leave, a receipt is delivered direct to their phone.

Officially opening the new store this morning, the Minister of State for Special Education said it “represents an exciting innovation in retail and customer service”.

“It’s a new, user-friendly experience for customers and is a reflection of the creativity and dynamism of the food service industry in Ireland,” she said.

“Flutter is an important investor in Ireland and its newly renovated global headquarters in Clonskeagh represents this ongoing commitment”

Ireland’s first ever completely frictionless store, Market x Flutter, opened today in our newly renovated global headquarters in Dublin. The store uses AI-powered computer vision technology allowing shoppers to purchase items without having to queue or stop to scan or pay. pic.twitter.com/nymglOIzmc

— Flutter plc (@FlutterPLC) February 15, 2022

The shop was developed for Flutter by Compass Group Ireland (CGI).

CGI Managing Director Deirdre O’Neill said the company is now working to establish similar shops at other corporate offices as well as in sports and leisure centres.

“We’re incredibly excited by this new frictionless store technology, and are proud that our Irish operation is leading the way,” she said.

“We constantly look at how to offer the most convenient service to customers and tailor food solutions to their needs.  Now, customers just pop into the store and pick up what they need, whenever they need it – it’s a great flexible solution for busy workers.”

Flutter

The new 164,000 Flutter headquarters is the result of a €15.5m investment form the company and a “multi-million-euro investment from the landlord”.

Flutter employs around 1,700 people at the headquarters.

Market x Flutter is open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.