As we navigate through the aisles of our ever-evolving world, it’s clear that the winds of change are blowing through the supermarket checkout lanes as well. Coles and Woolworths, the titans of Australian grocery shopping, are steering us towards a future where the checkout experience is not just a mundane task but a high-tech adventure. But before you get too excited—or perhaps apprehensive—let’s unpack what this means for our savvy shoppers.
The smart trolley revolution: A glimpse into the future
Gone are the days when your biggest decision at the supermarket was paper or plastic. Now, we’re talking about AI-powered smart carts and Scan&Go trolleys that promise to streamline your shopping experience. Coles has unveiled a smart cart that scans and weighs items as you place them inside, while Woolworths is trialling a trolley with a tablet-style device for scanning your groceries.
These smart trolleys aim to eliminate the need to queue at the checkout, allowing you to scan and pack as you go. At Woolworths, you’ll use your Everyday Rewards card to unlock the device, scan your items, and then pay at a self-serve checkout—with the promise of trolley-based payment options on the horizon. Coles’ Smart Trolley takes it a step further by letting you pay directly on the trolley after scanning your items.
While this technology may seem like a novelty, it’s been a part of the shopping scene in the UK, Europe, and the US for some time. According to Professor Paul Harrison of Deakin University, it’s becoming the norm, and it’s likely that Australians will adapt to this new way of shopping as well.
The motive behind the innovation
It’s tempting to view these smart trolleys as a benevolent gift from the supermarket gods, designed solely to make our lives easier. However, as Professor Harrison points out, supermarkets are businesses with the primary goal of making a profit. These trolleys are not just about convenience; they’re also about influencing your shopping habits.
Coles’ smart trolleys, for example, will highlight offers and promotions, guiding you to aisles where you can find deals that might not have been on your list. Woolworths’ partner, Hanshow, has designed their trolleys to increase impulse purchases and can send personalised ads based on your shopping history.
Will smart trolleys save you money?
The supermarkets claim that by being able to track your spending in real-time, you might stick to your budget more closely. However, there’s a flip side. Features like Coles’ ‘spin the wheel’ gamification encourage you to spend more to win discounts, subtly nudging your total spend upwards.
The verdict: A mixed response
The feedback from trials has been ‘overwhelmingly positive’, according to Woolworths, but social media tells a different story. Some customers express a preference for traditional customer service and concerns about job losses and privacy. Others are excited about the convenience and innovation.
As for ALDI and 7-Eleven, they’re exploring their own versions of smart shopping technology, with ALDI trialling Caper Carts in Europe and 7-Eleven offering a ‘Pay & Go’ option on its app.
The big question: Is this the future of shopping?
It’s clear that Coles and Woolworths are testing the waters with these smart trolleys, but whether they will become a staple of the Australian shopping experience is yet to be determined. What we do know is that supermarkets are keen to find new ways to entice customers to spend more and visit more often.
What are your thoughts on this checkout revolution? Are you ready to embrace the smart trolley, or do you prefer the personal touch of a human cashier? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below. Let’s navigate this new shopping landscape together, armed with knowledge and a touch of curiosity.
Also read: A new era of shopping: Is the future cashless and checkout-free?
