Woolworths is expanding its high-tech digital trolley trial to more of its supermarkets, following a successful start in NSW.
The retail giant’s Scan&Go trolleys allow customers to scan and bag their groceries and track their spend as they shop.
They have been on trial in 10 NSW supermarkets since August last year. Woolworths announced last week the trial would be extended to 25 more stores in NSW, and into Victoria and Queensland for the first time.
“Customers have told us using the Scan&Go trolley has resulted in a faster and more convenient shopping experience,” Woolworths360 managing director Rob McCartney said.
“We have noticed that over 70 per cent of Scan&Go trolley users are repeat customers, which supports our expansion into Victoria and Queensland respectively.”
Technology for the Australian-first smart trolleys was developed in-house by Woolworths. It builds on the Scan&Go app the company introduced in 2018, which allowed customers to scan goods with their smartphone as they walked supermarket aisles and pay in the app before tapping off at a dedicated kiosk.
The new trolleys work through Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards shopper loyalty program. Customers use their Rewards cards to unlock an in-store device, which they attach to one of the high-tech trolleys.
They then scan items with a built-in scanner as they shop, and pack as they go. Once they’re finished, they head to a self-service checkout to pay for the groceries.
Woolies says the innovation helps shoppers track their spending so they can stay on budget and identify savings as they go.
Bagging as they shop saves time as it eliminates the need to scan items at a checkout.
“Young families, in particular, have told us Scan&Go trolley is helping them balance their budget, as they can track their spending in real time,” McCartney said.
“We’re pleased to add another convenient option, alongside our offering of traditional shopping in-stores, being served by a friendly team member, direct to boot, using self service, pick-up or online delivery.”
Rival Coles is launched a trial of a similar trolley concept in Melbourne earlier this year.
Its smart trolleys use artificial intelligence, sensors and a in-built scale to scan groceries directly into shopping bags, including fresh produce. Customers can also pay at the trolley before leaving the supermarket.
Its trolleys, which are being trialled in partnership with North American grocery technology company Instacart, don’t require a shopper loyalty card to use.
When Woolworths began its NSW trial last year, it said it eventually hoped customers would be able to swipe their cards and pay for purchases at their trolley, saving even more time.
It also wants to roll out the smart trolleys nationwide.
Stores where Scan&Go trolleys are available:
- NSW: Erina, Green Hills, Hornsby, Kellyville, Kellyville Grove, Kellyville North, Kotara, Lane Cove, Menai, Mortdale, Neutral Bay Village, North Parramatta, Oran Park, Revesby, Richmond, Rutherford, Schofields Town Centre, The Ponds, Warringah Mall, Windsor
- Victoria: Chirnside Park, Malvern, Moonee Ponds (September), Mornington East, Rye, St Helena, Thrift Park
- Queensland: Burleigh Heads, Caloundra, Capalaba Park, Currimundi, Nambour, Noosa, Northlakes, Warner.
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