Coles to make major checkout change with 'convenient' smart trolley trial
Shoppers will be able to pick, weigh and pay for groceries from their trolley making their shopping experience more 'convenient and engaging'.
Coles shoppers will soon experience a major change in how they shop and pay for groceries with plans to roll out AI-powered smart trolleys across some stores.
The supermarket will be the first Aussie retailer to trial the advanced Caper Carts by leading US tech company Instacart. It will enable shoppers to pick, weigh and pay for groceries from their trolley as they roam the aisles without the need for traditional checkouts.
A trial will begin at Melbourne's Richmond store early next year, and if successful will be rolled out across more stores nationwide. The trolleys are equipped with AI, cameras, sensors and a built-in weight scale, which will automatically recognise items as they're added to the trolley.
Additionally, shoppers can view specials on the screen via the integrated weekly catalogue. It will also sync to Coles' Flybuys rewards program, allowing customers to earn points as they shop. Makers of similar trolleys in overseas markets say they have increased the amount shoppers spend.
It's the latest example of supermarkets relying on new technology in stores with overhead cameras, trolley locks, smart gates and even fog machines being introduced in Coles supermarkets in recent years.
Coles Chief Digital Officer Ben Hassing told media the Coles smart trolley "illustrates our omni-channel approach, leveraging digital capabilities to enrich the in-store experience".
"As the first retailer in Australia to introduce AI-powered trolleys, we're excited to offer our customers a convenient and engaging way to shop in-store, helping them save time, manage their budget, and check out faster — or at their own pace," he said.
"We are committed to testing and learning through innovative solutions to make sure we are delivering on customer needs, increasing convenience, and helping customers discover more value through their shop at Coles."
Woolworths introduces new iPad checkout scheme
Earlier this year, rival Woolworths introduced its revolutionary checkout scheme, allowing shoppers to track their spending while shopping. To use it, customers attach a smart screen onto their trolley before they start their shop which will keep a tally of all the products so shoppers can quickly pay on the way out.
A trial for the new Scan&Go system was introduced at Woolworths' Windsor store in Sydney's northwest in August with plans to roll it out across more stores if successful.
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Speaking to Yahoo News at the time, Woolworths Managing Director Faye IIhan said the new Scan&Go system "is market-leading innovation" that "will help customers save time and balance the budget on their supermarket shop."
Like Coles' new system, it links to the supermarket's Everyday Rewards program.
"Pending feedback from our customers, we hope to introduce Scan&Go Trolley in more of our supermarkets nationwide, along with some additional features in the coming months, including the ability to pay for their groceries on the device," IIhan told Yahoo.
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