1. Scan It! – Giant Supermarkets

Giant Foods has implemented Scan It! devices in their stores since 2009. These handheld barcode scanners are stored in a docking station that can hold and recharge approximately 30 devices. Shoppers can unlock a scanner by scanning their loyalty card.

Portability

While using handheld scanners may seem outdated, the Scan It! system integrates seamlessly into existing store infrastructure, ensuring that there are always enough devices available for shoppers. Unlike built-in cart solutions, these scanners are easily accessible, allowing for smooth navigation through the aisles.

Once shopping is complete, customers can leave the scanner behind and take their cart directly to their vehicle.

Shrinkage Detection

Shrinkage, defined as inventory loss due to spoilage, theft, or breakage, is addressed by the Scan It! system, which randomly audits carts at checkout. A store manager verifies scanned items against what’s in the cart, reminding customers that their honesty is being monitored.

Weighing Produce

The Scan It! scanner only recognizes barcodes, which poses a challenge for loose produce items. Shoppers must print and scan a barcode sticker from an electronic scale, complicating the checkout process.

The process requires unnecessary steps, such as searching for items without barcodes and printing labels, which can be frustrating for shoppers.

Checkout

Shoppers typically line up at self-checkout machines. The Scan It! device must be switched to checkout mode, generating a barcode to scan at the register. This prevents impulse purchases at the checkout, which can be a double-edged sword for stores.

The process allows for scanning paper coupons and selecting payment methods, but issues may arise with rejected coupons or payment problems.

2. Amazon Fresh Dash Cart

My first experience with the Amazon Dash Cart was at an Amazon Fresh store. While the technology was intriguing, the store itself felt limited in offerings compared to traditional supermarkets and Whole Foods.

Weighing Produce

The Dash Cart's touchscreen allows for easy entry of PLU codes for produce. The integrated scale provides immediate feedback, making for a smoother shopping experience.

Alexa Integration

Using Alexa to create a shopping list beforehand was convenient, though it raised privacy concerns about data usage. The cart's screen displays recommendations and coupons, which could be more engaging if presented creatively.

Form Factor

The Dash Cart is bulky and heavy, making it cumbersome to maneuver in the store. Although the touchscreen is well-integrated, the cart's weight poses challenges for shoppers.

Shrinkage Detection

Equipped with various sensors, the Dash Cart tracks items meticulously. If a shopper removes an item too quickly, it raises alerts, which can be annoying and undermine the shopping experience.

Checkout

Amazon Fresh provides a unique checkout experience, allowing customers to leave the store without traditional payment methods. However, issues can arise during reconciliation at the exit.

Portability

Each Dash Cart is costly and remains within the store due to strict controls. Shoppers must transfer their items to standard carts or carry them directly.

3. Cust2Mate

Cust2Mate, an Israeli company, offers an ambitious solution that integrates with various store systems. Although I haven't tested it personally, executives provided insights into its functionality.

Computer Vision

The cart's produce scale uses computer vision to identify items, simplifying the shopping process. Users can refine selections through touchscreen prompts.

Customer Experience

With a large touchscreen displaying purchases and totals, the Cust2Mate cart facilitates easy tracking of items. Changes in weight are monitored, minimizing confusion.

Form Factor

The cart is equipped with multiple scanners and scales, making it a comprehensive solution. However, the bulkiness may hinder ease of use.

Checkout

The checkout process is straightforward, accepting various payment methods and offering electronic receipts.

Portability

Cust2Mate carts are built for durability but may not withstand harsh weather. Stores may provide alternative carts for transporting groceries.

Concluding Thoughts

The emergence of advanced grocery cart technologies marks the beginning of a new era in grocery shopping. Much like early personal computers, these solutions are innovative yet may feel impractical in their current forms.

Creating Friction to Remove Friction

Historically, grocery shopping has evolved from clerks selecting items to customers choosing their products. While these three technologies aim to improve the checkout process, they inadvertently introduce new challenges, such as transporting groceries.

Ultimately, the most effective solution will be one that smooths all aspects of the grocery shopping experience.

Riffing On the Best Ideas

Combining elements from various solutions could yield an ideal grocery shopping experience. Here are some suggestions:

Check-in

Implement a loyalty card scanning system similar to Scan It! that attaches to carts, featuring a touchscreen for dynamic offers and educational content.

Scanning

Equip the cart with pivoting scanners that detect barcodes easily, simplifying the scanning process for shoppers.

Produce Aisle

Establish communal weighing stations that connect to in-cart devices, enhancing the produce shopping experience.

Check-out

Facilitate electronic payments and provide digital receipts, while maintaining random audits to deter theft without invasive technology.

Bags to Car

Allow shoppers to detach the touchscreen and return it to a docking station, enabling them to exit the store with their cart.

Customer Experience

Utilize large touchscreens for more than just item tallying, focusing on engaging customers with educational content and relevant offers.