The shop, situated at the arrivals gate of terminal one at the airport, is the first of its kind in Ireland. It offers a diverse range of products including coffee, pastries, cereal, milk, and toiletries.
To enter the store, shoppers need to scan their payment card at the entrance. Once inside, advanced camera technology and weight sensors on the shelves utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and charge customers for their purchases.
Known as “Dublin Town To Go”, the store operates without the need for cash and provides a seamless, checkout-free experience for passengers, according to the airport.
The airport has partnered with international food operator SSP for this venture. SSP manages many food and drink outlets at the airport.
Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer, expressed excitement about the unique shopping experience the store will offer to passengers.
He stated, “Dublin Airport is thrilled to be the home of Ireland’s first concept store of this kind. Whether passengers want a pre-flight snack or essential items like milk and cereal upon arriving, the technology in ‘Dublin Town To Go’ allows for quick and hassle-free shopping.”
The shop operates 24/7 and has already gained popularity among non-English speaking passengers and those arriving late at night, according to Graeme McQueen, the Media Relations Manager at DAA (Dublin Airport Authority).
McQueen mentioned, “It’s perfect for those working or arriving at Dublin Airport late at night. We’ve seen it particularly popular among non-English speaking passengers who want to quickly grab a sandwich or drink after landing without having to wait in line.”
While the new shop does not have any staff members, AI technology has been utilized throughout the airport for some time.
McQueen stated, “The personal touch will always be crucial for delivering a warm welcome and experience at Dublin Airport. However, we see great potential in using AI and automation to make the airport more efficient and easier to navigate.
“Automation is already present throughout the airport, from airline check-in desks and passport control to our €1 water bottles after security screening, which offer a convenient contactless payment option,” he added.
Although this is the first store of its kind in Ireland, similar establishments have opened in the UK and US. In 2021, Amazon launched its first ‘Amazon Fresh’ store in west London. Similar to the Dublin Airport store, it operates without traditional checkouts. Customers need to scan a code to enter and their Amazon Prime account is automatically charged for their purchases.
Earlier this year, however, Amazon announced the closure of the Ealing Broadway store, along with two other London locations.
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