WATCH: Rolling into the future? Checkers trials South Africa's first-ever 'smart trolley'

CapeTalk's Clarence Ford speaks to Barbara Friedman about trending online stories.

Listen below: 

Checkers has launched South Africa’s first smart shopping trolley, pioneering a major step towards a frictionless, technology-led in-store experience with a limited trial.

Called the Xpress Trolley, it allows shoppers to scan-and-bag items as they go, track a live running total, and pay directly on the trolley without needing to stand in a queue or bag products at a traditional till point.

A user-friendly screen guides shoppers through their journey, displaying real-time product details, personalised promotions, and a running total that helps them keep tabs on their spending as they go.

The screen also assists with in-store navigation by indicating where products are located within the store, making it easier for shoppers to find what they want and need without trawling the supermarket.

Following initial testing with Home Office employees at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell from mid-August, 10 trolleys will be made available to customers at this store and another 10 trolleys at Checkers Constantia.

While smart trolleys have been rolled out in some international supermarkets, this is the first time they’re being trialled locally.

Here’s how the Xpress Trolley works:

• Scan an Xtra Savings card below the screen mounted on the trolley to start shopping.
• Place the shopping bags provided into the trolley.
• Scan each item’s barcode before placing it into the trolley.
• Track a live basket total, view product info and activate personalised promotions.
• Head to the dedicated checkout lane and pay directly from the trolley using the bank card saved on a customer’s Checkers Sixty60 profile.
• Take the printed till slip and exit via the checkout gate – no need to visit a till point – with a concierge on hand for support.

In a statement, Neil Schreuder, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the Shoprite Group, said that this innovation aims to use technology to offer shoppers a 'frictionless' experience.

"The Xpress Trolley enhances convenience, improves speed, and keeps customers in control from the moment they enter the store to the moment they leave. Smart trolleys aren’t about the novelty of screens on trolleys – they’re about giving shoppers real-time control, creating a compelling shopping experience. We are also excited about the potential it holds for Sixty60’s in-store pickers, specifically the additional speed and accuracy with which the in-store picking process can be completed.” 

- Neil Schreuder, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer - Shoprite Group

Social media reactions have left some users 'not sure' about this innovation, while others seem to welcome it.

With a separate queue and someone checking your slip as you leave, people are also unsure about extra processes delaying consumers after checkout.

Some express concern about automated trolleys taking away jobs from people who need them.

"I just think it's going to be one of those things were some people will take it up and some people won't... and it'll also depend on your moment like if you're running in and there's no queue and you've got three items... it'll probably be quicker to go pay at a cashier than to start scanning and logging in..."

- Barbara Friedman

Scroll up to the audio player for more.