Golden 1 Center-Zippin to open store sans cashier

Article posted by Coliseum, October 1^st, 2019

Image: Golden 1 Center

Golden 1 Center and Zippin has got into a deal to open a convenience store san a cashier. It will be one of a kind in-arena checkout-free store.

The checkout-free store will facilitate fans to buy concessions such as snacks, water, beer, etc. By using Kings app or Zippin app, fans can have a dekko of the store’s inventory.

“We’re always trying to make everything convenient and remove friction from the entire fan experience. Within the store we’re going to be able to offer some of our top-selling concessions,” said Ryan Montoya, Kings Chief Technical Officer, in a statement.

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Zippin has competition in the form of companies like Amazon Go in the cashier-less store market. In August 2018, Zippin – which believes in banishing checkout lines – opened a public store in San Francisco that boasts overhead cameras, shelf sensors and AI technology to monitor what has been bought.

Montoya said they decided to partner with Zippin as what mattered to them were the people behind the project.

“After looking at a few, we soon realized that [Zippin] had not only the best technology, but the best people behind it,” he said. “The leadership of the team, I think they have a great culture with very smart people. They understand where this is going.”

Zippin co-founder and CEO Krishna Motukuri said in the release that the company’s motto is to “banish the checkout line” and also stated that visitors will be able to “walk in, grab a beer and walk out in under 30 seconds.”

The ID verification process work is still on in the arena for people who are buying alcohol, but Montoya informed that a person will be present near the alcohol counter to check ID.

He further stated, “We’re still working out the details. The beer is on a mat that has sensors on it and people will be able to go and pick up the beer and walk out. Likely, it would be before they pick up the beer. We’ll just do their ID and then they can walk out.”

“We are committed to leveraging technology to identify and deliver cutting-edge, innovative solutions that enhance the fan experience,” said Sacramento Kings Chairman and Governor Vivek Ranadivé.

“Using AI-driven checkout-free technology we are excited to deliver a first-of-its-kind frictionless shopping experience ensuring our guests are able to get back to the action as quickly as possible,” he further remarked.

The store is expected to open in time for the Kings’ home opener against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 25. It will be open for all Kings home games and other Golden 1 Center events.

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