Empire Cinemas implements self-service kiosks to streamline its services

Empire Cinemas, a cinema group operating 144 screens across 17 cinemas in the UK, has introduced self-service kiosks for ticket purchasing and collection in a deal with YESpay.

The cinema group, made up of Odeon and UCI cinemas, wanted a solution that enabled customers to collect their tickets via a kiosk. The technology varied throughout the group and Empire Cinemas made the decision to amalgamate all of its technology to streamline its services, saving time and money.

Following a successful trial in the Leicester Square cinema the kiosks were rolled out to a further 16 cinemas. The self-service kiosks are supported by YESpay's EMBOSS payment system.

Julian Timm, IT Director, Empire Cinemas, said, "After researching numerous vendors we shortlisted two candidates. YESpay became the obvious choice as it was already PCI: DSS pre-accredited and able to set up an initial trial quickly and efficiently."

He continued, "The kiosks have taken over £800,000 in a three-month period and have helped increase payment security and reduce queues. This has saved us time and money, and improved the customer service experience. Since the implementation we have introduced electronic giftcards which can be used to pay at the kiosks. In the future we are planning for customers to be able to purchase tickets via their mobile phones and then collect at the kiosks. We also intend to allow our customers to be able to top up their giftcards at the kiosks and buy selected items such as popcorn and sweets. The business required a system that would support these additional operations."

Rohit Patni, EVP Sales and Marketing, YESpay, commented, "Our project with Empire Cinemas is another great example of how electronic payments can be used as a fast and secure method of payment - which in turn offers customers a better in store experience. The self-service kiosks are easy to use and provide an interesting method of payment. Our software will also allow Empire Cinemas to develop the services they currently provide, in line with its future growth plans."