Mastercard unveils new suite of frictionless solutions to reimage physical shopping experience

By Pavithra R

Mastercard has announced the launch of a new suite of frictionless solutions for retailers to reimagine their physical shopping experience. Mastercard’s Shop Anywhere and AI-Powered Drive Through solutions deliver low touch, high engagement experiences for retailers and the end consumer and are applicable and adaptable to any retail environment.

The launch comes at a time when consumers are increasingly looking for touch-free ways to transact and interact in the physical setting. The new Shop Anywhere platform, supported by AI and computer vision technology partner Accel Robotics, enables retailers to create simple, personalized shopping experiences in stores based on consumers’ needs and without compromising privacy. The platform aims to enhance shopper journey by eliminating existing points of friction through robust inventory and participating shopper analytics, offering consumers no wait, no checkout lines, and secure payments. It also offers shoppers access to stores outside of normal opening hours if selected by the retailer.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mastercard to help retailers deliver a new world of convenience. Through the Shop Anywhere platform, we are helping shorten the distance between shoppers and satisfaction,” said Brandon Maseda, Chief Executive Officer, Accel Robotics.

Mastercard is planning to roll out live pilots of the Shop Anywhere platform with several retail partners and beginning in October 2020. The firm has also partnered with leading retailers and sport, entertainment, and hospitality partners, including Circle K, Delaware North, Dunkin’, and White Castle, to reimagine the consumer shopping journey.

The AI-powered Drive Through platform, provided in partnership with SoundHound and Rekor Systems, expects to help quicken service restaurant brands in transforming their drive-through or drive-in interactions through vehicle recognition, voice ordering, and artificial intelligence. The technology is built on Mastercard’s commitment to the QSR environment. Mastercard is planning to roll out on-location pilots at White Castle locations in October 2020 and will also be rolling out with other quick-service restaurants later in the year.

“As retailers and consumers navigate through one of the most disruptive periods in modern history, it’s clear that traditional business operations will need to evolve quickly. We’re committed to supporting our retail partners as they look to meet the unforeseen challenges posed by this new normal and provide their customers with a more digitally enabled, touchless, and secure retail experience,” said Stephane Wyper, Senior Vice President, Retail Innovation, Mastercard.

Established since 1966, Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. The firm is committed to building a more inclusive digital economy that works for everyone. The firm is also making Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) central to its business model.