In July, we reported that Morrisons had launched Instacart’s Caper Cart smart trolleys at a Preston supermarket, marking North American firm Instacart’s first retail partnership in the UK for its AI powered solution.

Three months later, however, the retailer is pulling the trial as DoorDash enters into talks to acquire Instacart in a deal that ​could value the grocery technology specialist at around $17 billion. Separately, the latter said in a regulatory filing on ⁠Monday that it ​would wind down its Caper Cart ​business by the end of the second quarter of 2027, expecting pre-tax charges of $55 million to $80 million related to ​the move.

The plan is to reinvest any savings into strategic growth initiatives, which includes other in-store solutions like smart price tags and computer vision technology to help grocers track in-store inventory.

"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we're always looking for ways to make their weekly shop easier, more rewarding, and more enjoyable, to give them more reasons to shop at Morrisons," Gordon Macpherson, Productivity Director at Morrisons, said during the launch of the trial.

“Caper smart trolleys do exactly that, giving customers real-time visibility of their spending, instant access to their More Card savings, and a more seamless experience in the aisle. We're proud to be the first UK retailer to bring this technology to our customers, and we look forward to seeing how shoppers in Preston and across Lancashire respond to this innovative new trolley in this in-store trial.” 

Morrisons did not respond to our request for comment regarding the pilot's abrupt end.

Responding to the news, retail analyst Steve Dresser said on LinkedIn: "Not one to mock innovation, it's vital. But this was always overplayed and seemed to be a chance for people to get their name in lights, rather than a meaningful trial to scale."

And the winners are...

Morrisons is among the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards finalists.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony.

The event will consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.

Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.