South Africa’s largest grocery retailer, Shoprite Checkers, is rolling out a cutting-edge pilot program featuring its new ‘Xpress Trolley’, a smart shopping cart designed to streamline the in-store experience. This innovation allows customers to scan items, track their basket total in real time, and pay directly from the trolley, completely bypassing traditional checkout queues.
Developed by the retailer’s innovation division, ShopriteX, the Xpress Trolley is part of a broader effort to reimagine retail through technology. While similar smart carts have appeared in international markets, this marks the first local trial of its kind in South Africa.
How the Xpress Trolley Works:
- Start Shopping: Customers begin by scanning their Xtra Savings card on the trolley’s built-in touchscreen.
- Scan & Bag: As they shop, they scan each item’s barcode before placing it into the trolley, using the provided shopping bags.
- Track Spending: The touchscreen displays a live running total, product details, and personalized promotions based on the shopper’s profile.
- Navigate the Store: The trolley also offers in-store navigation, helping customers locate items more efficiently.
- Edit Basket: Shoppers can adjust their basket contents directly on the screen if they change their mind about a product.
- Checkout on the Spot: Payment is made using card details saved in the Checkers Sixty60 profile, and customers exit through a dedicated checkout gate, collecting a printed receipt—no need to visit a till point. A concierge is available for assistance.
The pilot will begin in two Western Cape stores:
- Checkers Hyper Brackenfell: Following internal testing with Shoprite’s Home Office staff, 10 trolleys will be made available to customers.
- Checkers Constantia: Another 10 trolleys will be introduced after initial trials.
Shoprite stated:
This pilot allows us to reimagine the in-store journey using technology for a more frictionless shopping experience. We’re also excited about the potential it holds for Sixty60’s in-store pickers, especially in terms of speed and accuracy.
By integrating smart technology into the physical shopping experience, Shoprite is aiming to enhance convenience, reduce wait times, and personalize retail interactions, setting a new benchmark for grocery shopping in South Africa.
