South Africa’s retail technology scene just got a major upgrade. Shoprite’s premium supermarket brand, Checkers, has begun piloting the country’s first smart shopping trolleys – a move that could redefine the in-store experience for local shoppers.
The Xpress Trolley is a tech-enabled cart designed to make grocery shopping faster, smarter, and more convenient. Developed by the ShopriteX innovation team, it integrates:
- Built-in touchscreen display mounted on the handle
- Barcode scanner for instant product scanning
- Live basket tracking to monitor spending in real time
- Integrated payment system so shoppers can pay directly on the trolley
- In-store navigation to help locate products quickly
How It Works
- Start your session – Scan your Xtra Savings card to activate the trolley.
- Scan & bag as you go – Place provided shopping bags in the trolley, scan each item before adding it.
- Track your basket – View product details, personalised promotions, and a running total on the screen.
- Skip the queue – Pay directly from the trolley using your saved bank card on your Checkers Sixty60 profile.
- Exit seamlessly – Collect your printed till slip and leave via a dedicated checkout gate, assisted by a concierge if needed.
Where It’s Being Tested
The pilot is rolling out at two Western Cape stores:
- Checkers Hyper Brackenfell – 10 trolleys available after internal testing
- Checkers Constantia – Another 10 trolleys for customer trials
While smart trolleys have been trialled in countries like Chile, the US, and Australia, this is a first for South Africa. The move signals:
- A push for frictionless shopping in physical stores
- Direct competition with Woolworths in the premium retail segment
- Integration of online and offline shopping via Sixty60 profiles
- Potential operational benefits for in-store order pickers, improving speed and accuracy
Shoprite has been investing heavily in cutting-edge retail technology, sleek store designs, and premium product lines. The Xpress Trolley aligns with its strategy to become South Africa’s most profitable and seamless omnichannel retailer.
If successful, this pilot could pave the way for a nationwide rollout, transforming how South Africans shop for groceries – and setting a new benchmark for retail innovation in the region.
