Ireland

Aramark launches first AI powered Quick Eats Store in Scotland

Aramark has launched the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Quick Eats store in Scotland. The landmark AI powered store has been launched at Aegon’s offices in Edinburgh to serve its 1,300 staff members. Quick Eats is an ambient, Intelligence driven, no-wait, checkout-free retail store offering easy access to a variety of foods, beverages, and essentials. The store features overhead cameras and intelligent shelf sensors, which combine detection, visual cognition, and secure payment integration.

April sees falls in retail and social spending

Bank of Ireland debit and credit card spending in April dropped by 7% when compared to March’s outlay as spending hikes recorded by the Bank of Ireland Spending Pulse in the first quarter of the year receded. Overall, April’s spending data painted a relatively subdued picture across many business sectors, with retail spending falling by 7% and social spending dropping by 5% – very similar to drops recorded in April 2022.

Circle K launches own brand range of EV chargers

Circle K is launching a new range of own brand electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its network over the next two years by investing €7 million to install EV chargers at over 30 Circle K forecourts across Ireland by 2025. The company’s first two own brand EV charge points have opened at Circle K Junction 5, M9, Rathcrogue, Co Carlow, and Circle K Junction 14, M8, Gortore, Fermoy, Co Cork. ■

Gordon Lawlor, MD of Circle K Ireland with Minister Eamon Ryan

For more details on all the above and the latest grocery-related news as it happens, visit www.shelflife.ie.

When we first launched in April 2021, we promised to deliver a series of local convenience stores that were always Nearby. Today, with over 130 stores across the island of Ireland we’re happy to say that we have continued to keep our promise.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Nearby so far. We can’t wait to tell you all about our plans for the future.

If you would like to become a nearby store or find out more. Visit always-nearby.com