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Circle K launches Grabango frictionless payments in Arizona

Six-store rollout comes after deployment by Giant Eagle’s GetGo banner

Russell Redman

November 3, 2021

2 Min Read
Circle K storefront.png
Circle K is offering Grabango's checkout-free technology one store in Tucson and five stores in Marana, Ariz.Circle K

Following a launch by Giant Eagle, convenience store chain Circle K has rolled out checkout-free payment technology from Grabango at six locations in the greater Tucson, Ariz., area.

Berkeley, Calif.-based Grabango said yesterday that the launch marks Circle K’s first multi-store rollout of the frictionless technology, which enables shoppers to skip waiting at checkout, in Arizona.

The Grabango solution works as follows: After downloading the free Grabango mobile app, customers enter the store and start shopping as normal. Computer vision — through small cameras in ceiling fixtures called G-rails — and machine learning technology track the products that shoppers select as they navigate the store and keep a running total of the items to be purchased. When finished, customers scan the code in the app upon exiting the store. As shoppers leave, they can opt to receive digital receipts, which can be accessed as far back as a year.

Grabango app-Circle K digital receipt.jpg

When finished shopping, customers simply scan the code in the Grabango app upon exiting the store to complete their transaction.

“We are passionate about exploring technology that empowers our store teams and helps make our customers’ lives a little easier every day,” Magnus Tägtström, head of global digital innovation at Circle K parent company Alimentation Couche-Tard, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to seeing Grabango’s autonomous checkout solution support our ongoing efforts to make the store experience as seamless and frictionless as possible for our on-the-go customers.”

Related:Giant Eagle goes cashierless at more GetGo stores

Grabango’s system is designed to retrofit existing stores and operate within their planogram and merchandise mix. The company noted that its solution requires no membership or check-in, turnstiles or other special gear at the store entrance, and the system doesn’t use facial recognition, maintaining shopper privacy.

“I’m thrilled to announce that we’re working with Circle K and its parent company, Alimentation Couche-Tard, on the largest rollout of checkout-free retrofits to date,” commented Will Glaser, CEO of Grabango. “Couche-Tard is a sophisticated global partner that’s a leader in delivering technology to benefit its customers. Together, we’re fulfilling the promise of making convenience stores more convenient.”

Pittsburgh-based grocer Giant Eagle, which has installed Grabango’s solution in five GetGo convenience stores, represented the first retailer to retrofit and launch the checkout-free technology in an existing, large-chain store, according to Grabango. Giant Eagle began testing Grabango’s system in 2019. More Grabango rollouts to GetGo stores — and potentially Giant Eagle supermarkets — are in the offing.

Related:Circle K owner Couche-Tard explores acquisition of Carrefour

The six Circle K stores now offering Grabango checkout are at 15935 N. Oracle Rd. in Tucson and at 11403 W. Tangerine Rd., 3880 W. Tangerine Rd., 5725 W. Ina Rd., 4540 W. Ina Rd. and 5633 W. Cortaro Rd. in Marana, Ariz. Overall, Circle K operates about 7,100 stores in the United States and 2,100 in Canada. Last month, Couche-Tard said Circle K also is piloting frictionless payment technology from San Francisco-based Standard AI at several stores in Tempe and Tucson, Ariz.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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