Retail giant Checkers has unveiled a cutting-edge innovation set to transform the in-store shopping experience in South Africa.
The Xpress Trolley, a smart shopping cart equipped with digital technology, is being piloted at select Western Cape stores.
Dubbed the country’s first fully functional smart trolley, the innovation allows customers to scan, bag, and pay for groceries directly from the cart—eliminating the need to queue at traditional tills.
How It Works
Shoppers scan items as they place them into the trolley, with an onboard touchscreen displaying a running total in real time. The trolley also helps customers navigate aisles by showing exact product locations, while personalised promotions are displayed based on the shopper’s Xtra Savings profile.
When shopping is complete, customers pay directly via a bank card linked to their Sixty60 profile. A receipt is printed instantly, and shoppers exit through a dedicated lane—skipping checkout queues entirely.
Pilot Rollout
The pilot began at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell, where ten trolleys were introduced, before extending to Checkers Constantia. If the trial proves successful, the retailer is expected to expand the service to more stores nationwide.
Why It Matters
Industry analysts say the move places Checkers at the forefront of retail innovation in Africa, aligning with global trends towards frictionless shopping.
“Consumers want speed and convenience, and the Xpress Trolley delivers exactly that,” said a retail expert. “It’s not just about skipping queues—it’s about creating a smarter, personalised shopping journey.”
A First for South Africa
While self-checkout stations have slowly been introduced in South African stores, this is the first time an integrated smart trolley system has been deployed in the country.
The Shoprite Group, which owns Checkers, says the Xpress Trolley also enhances efficiency for its popular Sixty60 delivery service, making in-store picking faster and more accurate.
Looking Ahead
Shoppers who have tested the trolleys describe the experience as “seamless and futuristic.” However, questions remain about how quickly the technology can scale, and whether it will affect traditional cashier roles.
For now, Checkers customers in Brackenfell and Constantia are among the first in the country to experience what could be the future of supermarket shopping in South Africa.
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