Kroger has begun the nationwide rollout of smart carts in hundreds of its US locations aiming to transform the traditional grocery shopping experience by integrating real time technology and personalised features into the in store journey The launch follows successful pilots conducted throughout 2024 in select markets including Ohio Texas and Arizona where the smart carts showed measurable improvements in customer satisfaction basket size and dwell time
The smart carts developed in partnership with tech firm Caper use AI powered touchscreen displays to help shoppers navigate store aisles scan items as they go track spending in real time and receive tailored promotions based on their shopping history These carts also include built in scales and sensors which verify items placed inside allowing shoppers to skip the checkout line and pay directly from the cart using mobile wallet or Kroger Pay integration
According to Matt Thompson Vice President of Store Innovation at Kroger the smart cart initiative is a major leap toward frictionless retail We’re investing in digital infrastructure that makes shopping easier smarter and more enjoyable Our early data shows that smart cart users spend 12 percent more per visit and report a significantly smoother experience compared to traditional checkout lanes
Kroger’s expansion of smart cart technology is part of its broader Restock Kroger plan a multi year transformation strategy focusing on digital integration personalised services and supply chain upgrades In 2025 alone the company allocated over 500 million dollars to in store tech innovation with smart carts representing a cornerstone of its physical retail evolution especially as competition from Amazon Fresh Walmart and Instacart intensifies
The carts also serve as a powerful data collection tool allowing Kroger to learn from shopper behaviour in real time to refine store layouts product placements and promotional strategies Privacy advocates have raised questions but Kroger insists that all customer data is anonymised and used strictly to improve in store functionality and user experience Customers can opt out of data tracking or shop using traditional carts if they prefer
In terms of user benefits shoppers can receive in cart notifications for deals based on items scanned locate hard to find products through interactive maps and even get meal inspiration or recipe suggestions based on what they’ve already added to their basket The system links directly to Kroger’s loyalty programme delivering instant discounts and exclusive bundle offers visible on the cart’s screen
This technological leap places Kroger ahead of many US competitors in the race toward digitising brick and mortar retail While Amazon has long pushed for cashierless technology through its Just Walk Out stores Kroger’s smart carts provide a middle ground between traditional supermarket layouts and future facing retail efficiency without requiring expensive store overhauls
Industry experts see this as a smart play allowing Kroger to balance innovation with accessibility and cost efficiency rather than radically altering store formats Customer feedback from early adopting locations has been overwhelmingly positive with particular praise for the ability to monitor spending avoid queues and make healthier shopping choices with the help of in cart suggestions
As more Kroger locations implement smart carts throughout 2025 the company aims to reach over 1000 stores equipped by mid 2026 reinforcing its leadership position in the US grocery sector and appealing to a younger tech savvy demographic seeking smarter shopping solutions