Frictionless checkout provider AiFi has seen marked growth in the sports industry during 2024. The company shared with SBJ that by the end of the year, it will have more than 74 stores throughout sports venues — a figure that represents a 236% increase in AiFi stores since 2023. AiFi CEO Steve Carlin couldn’t share a specific number of stores added this year but said the “majority” have been built this year.

“If you really go back 24, 36 months, you really see a lot of traction in the space between us and other players,” Carlin said. “There is no question that this particular market … this particular part of the retail sector, has just grasped that this technology dramatically improves all their metrics.”

AIFI

AiFi is in 20 total sports venues worldwide, which includes seven NFL-affiliated stadiums: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (four AiFi stores), Ford Field (two), Arrowhead Stadium (two), Lincoln Financial Field (two), Nissan Stadium (two), Hard Rock Stadium and SoFi Stadium. Other venues deploying AiFi tech include the recently opened Intuit Dome, Footprint Center and Chase Center.

This Wednesday’s SBJ Tech newsletter will have more from Carlin on AiFi’s success and a breakdown of its spatial intelligence technology.