Solving Autonomous Checkout's Effect on Impulse Purchases

As more retailers start investigating autonomous checkout technologies, what will become of the impulse sales they used to generate at the front end? Standard Cognition and Mars Wrigley have partnered to help retailers evolve into a new world of autonomous checkout by integrating seamless technology and impulse category sales. 

Mars Wrigley reached out to Standard Cognition to suggest the partnership to better understand what impact autonomous checkouts would have on shoppers’ experiences, particularly at the end of the trip when they’re traditionally seeking products to treat themselves or give themselves a pick-me-up while waiting in line, the companies said in a release. Their goal is to create recommendations on how retailers can design stores that balance operational efficiency, shopper satisfaction and financial optimization.

“Standard had been thinking about that issue too, so the Mars inquiry was very timely,” said Michael Suswal, co-founder and chief operating officer of Standard Cognition, San Francisco. “We leapt at the chance to work with Mars—a category captain with 100-plus years of insights, research and innovation—to help retailers address this challenge.”

The companies said they would share respective capabilities across technology, shopper journey insights and the intersections of operational efficiencies and merchandising excellence for impulse in a cashierless world in order to create convenient and positive experiences for shoppers in a way that will meet retailers’ holistic objectives.

“Mars selected Standard as its partner because it’s clear to us that they bring advanced technology in autonomous checkout, offer a great value proposition to retailers and share with us a mutual passion and vision for this space,” said Vincent Hummel, global category leadership director of new transaction points for Mars Wrigley, McLean, Va. “We’re excited to work with Standard and our retailers around the world to define the future of autonomous checkout.”

Standard Cognition was one of the first startups in the autonomous checkout space, and the first to open a cashierless store in San Francisco.