South Africa’s largest grocery retailer, Shoprite Checkers, has become the first local supermarket chain to trial smart trolley technology, launching an innovative pilot programme that could transform the traditional shopping experience.
The new ‘Xpress Trolley’ system enables customers to scan items as they shop, monitor their spending in real-time, and complete payments directly through the trolley without joining checkout queues or visiting traditional till points.
Revolutionary shopping technology
The pilot programme, developed by Shoprite’s ShopriteX innovation team, features trolleys equipped with large touchscreens attached to the handles and built-in barcode scanners. The technology represents a significant leap forward for South African retail, bringing international-standard shopping innovations to local consumers for the first time.
“While smart trolleys have been rolled out in some international supermarkets, this is the first time they’re being trialled locally,” Shoprite confirmed in a statement. “The group will use insights from this pilot to continue shaping the future of retail in South Africa.”
The shopping process begins when customers scan their Xtra Savings card and load their Checkers Sixty60 profile. As they navigate the store, shoppers scan items before placing them in the trolley, with the system displaying product information, personalised promotions, and a running total of their purchases.
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Retail giant pilots high-tech ‘Xpress Trolley’ system allowing customers to scan, pay and skip checkout queues
Beyond basic scanning functionality, the smart trolleys offer several advanced features designed to improve the shopping experience. The touchscreen provides in-store navigation assistance, directing customers to specific product locations within the store. Shoppers can also edit their digital basket directly on the screen, removing items if they change their minds.
The system culminates in a streamlined checkout process where customers pay using bank card information stored in their Checkers Sixty60 profile before exiting through a dedicated checkout gate, with concierge support available if needed.
Phased rollout strategy
The trial will initially launch at two Western Cape stores. Following preliminary testing with Home Office employees at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell from mid-August, ten trolleys will become available to the public at this location. An additional ten trolleys will subsequently be introduced at Checkers Constantia.
“This pilot allows us to reimagine the in-store journey using technology for a more frictionless shopping experience,” the company stated.
The innovation extends beyond customer convenience, with Shoprite highlighting potential benefits for their Sixty60 online shopping service. The company anticipates that the technology will enhance the speed and accuracy of in-store picking processes for online orders, potentially improving the efficiency of their rapidly growing delivery service.
The smart trolley trial represents Shoprite’s latest effort to digitalise the retail experience and maintain its competitive edge in South Africa’s evolving grocery market. The success of this pilot could pave the way for broader implementation across the group’s extensive store network.
The initiative underscores the growing trend of retail technology adoption in South Africa, as major chains seek to enhance customer experience while optimising operational efficiency in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
