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Checkout queues may soon be a thing of the past as Shoprite Checkers pilots the Xpress Trolley, South Africa’s first smart shopping cart.

This innovative technology, developed by the ShopriteX innovation team, allows customers to scan items, bag them as they shop, and pay directly on the trolley, bypassing traditional checkout queues.

Currently in a pilot phase at two Western Cape stores, the Xpress Trolley promises a faster, more convenient, and personalised shopping journey.

What is the Checkers Xpress Trolley?

The Xpress Trolley is a high-tech shopping cart designed to streamline the grocery shopping process.

Equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen, a built-in barcode scanner, and integration with the Checkers Sixty60 app, the trolley enables shoppers to take control of their experience from start to finish.

Key features include:

• Scan-as-You-Shop: Customers scan each item’s barcode before placing it in provided shopping bags, eliminating the need to unpack at checkout.
• Real-Time Tracking: A live running total displays on the screen, helping shoppers manage their budgets.
• Personalised Promotions: The trolley showcases tailored discounts and product information based on the customer’s Xtra Savings profile.
• In-Store Navigation: The screen provides a store map, guiding shoppers to specific products.
• Queue-Free Checkout: Payments are processed directly on the trolley using a bank card linked to the customer’s Checkers Sixty60 profile, with a printed receipt provided at a dedicated checkout lane.

According to Neil Schreuder, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the Shoprite Group, “The Xpress Trolley enhances convenience, improves speed, and keeps customers in control from the moment they enter the store to the moment they leave.”

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How Does the Xpress Trolley Work?

Using the Xpress Trolley is straightforward, with a six-step process designed for ease:

1. Scan Xtra Savings Card: Shoppers start by scanning their Xtra Savings card below the trolley’s screen to activate the system.
2. Place Bags in Trolley: Provided reusable shopping bags are placed in the trolley for bagging items as they are scanned.
3. Scan Items: Each item’s barcode is scanned before being placed in the bag, ensuring accurate tracking.
4. Track and Customise: The screen displays a live basket total, product details, and personalised promotions, allowing shoppers to activate deals.
5. Pay on the Trolley: At a dedicated checkout lane, customers pay using a bank card saved in their Checkers Sixty60 profile.
6. Exit with Ease: After payment, shoppers receive a printed till slip and exit via a checkout gate, assisted by a concierge if needed.

This seamless process not only saves time but also enhances the shopping experience by reducing friction and offering real-time control.

Where is the Xpress Trolley Being Tested?

The Xpress Trolley pilot began with testing among Home Office employees at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell in mid-August 2025.

Following this initial phase, the trial has expanded to include 10 trolleys at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and another 10 at Checkers Constantia, both in the Western Cape.

These locations were chosen to test the technology in diverse retail environments, with insights from the pilot shaping potential nationwide rollouts.

Why the Xpress Trolley Matters

The Xpress Trolley marks a significant milestone as South Africa’s first smart shopping cart, aligning with global retail trends while addressing local needs.

While smart trolleys are common in international markets like the US and UK, this is the first time such technology has been trialled in South Africa.

The Shoprite Group aims to use learnings from this pilot to refine the technology and enhance its omnichannel retail strategy, positioning itself as the country’s most seamless and profitable retailer.

Benefits for Shoppers

• Time-Saving: Skipping checkout queues reduces shopping time, ideal for busy customers.
• Budget Control: Real-time totals help shoppers stay within their budgets.
• Personalised Experience: Tailored promotions and in-store navigation make shopping more engaging and efficient.
• Frictionless Process: The scan-and-bag system eliminates the hassle of repacking at checkout.

Benefits for Retailers

• Improved Efficiency: The technology streamlines in-store operations, particularly for Sixty60 in-store pickers, enhancing speed and accuracy.
• Data Insights: Integration with Xtra Savings provides valuable data on customer preferences, enabling better promotions and inventory management.
• Sustainability: The pilot aligns with Checkers’ environmental initiatives, such as using reusable bags and promoting a circular economy.

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The Future of Smart Shopping in South Africa

The Xpress Trolley pilot is a bold step toward reimagining retail in South Africa. By integrating advanced technology with the Xtra Savings and Sixty60 ecosystems, Checkers is setting a new standard for convenience and customer control.

If successful, the initiative could expand to more stores, potentially reshaping how South Africans shop for groceries.

However, its success will depend on addressing concerns about accessibility, job impacts, and cost implications while maintaining the balance between innovation and inclusivity.

For now, shoppers in Brackenfell and Constantia can experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand. As the Shoprite Group gathers feedback, the Xpress Trolley could pave the way for a new era of frictionless, technology-driven retail in South Africa.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.