Schnucks Markets expands Instacart AI powered Caper Carts to new stores across Missouri and Illinois

Instacart reports that its AI powered Caper Carts are being deployed across more Schnucks locations in Missouri and, for the first time, into Illinois.

The roll-out brings them to five new stores and introduces a key new hardware feature: a lower tray, designed to help customers easily shop for heavy, bulk items like cases of water and pet food. 

Schnucks was one of the first grocers to deploy Caper Carts in 2024. Customers can scan as they shop, track their total, receive personalised recommendations and savings, and check out directly from the cart, with no lines required.

“Schnucks was an early adopter of Caper Carts, so they’ve seen first hand how the carts can drive a double digit basket size increase,” says David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart. “Whether customers are looking to save money, stay on budget, or simply enjoy the convenience and ability to scan, pay, and go - we’re proud to offer an engaging and personalised way to shop for Schnucks customers.”

“It’s clear to us that customers love shopping with Caper Carts - and at our newly launched stores, we’re seeing many times throughout the day where all ten carts are in use,” says Chace MacMullan, Senior Director of Digital Experience at Schnucks.

“As a family owned grocer, we’re always looking for new ways to stay competitive and improve the in-store experience for our customers. Caper Carts are intuitive and make shopping fun and engaging.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.