South Africa's Checkers tests out Xpress Trolley with built in scanner and automated checkout

Checkers is laying claim to South Africa’s first smart shopping trolley.

Called the Xpress Trolley, this allows shoppers to scan and bag items as they go, track a live running total, and pay directly on the trolley without needing to stand in a queue or bag products at a traditional till point.

Built by the ShopriteX innovation team, the Xpress Trolley features a screen that guides shoppers through their journey, displaying real-time product details, personalised promotions, and a running total that helps them keep tabs on their spending as they go.

The screen also assists with in-store navigation by indicating where products are located within the store.

Following initial testing with Home Office employees at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell from mid-August, ten trolleys will be made available to customers at this store as well as another ten at Checkers Constantia.

“This pilot allows us to reimagine the in-store journey using technology for a more frictionless shopping experience,” says Neil Schreuder, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the Shoprite Group.

“The Xpress Trolley enhances convenience, improves speed, and keeps customers in control from the moment they enter the store to the moment they leave. Smart trolleys aren’t about the novelty of screens on trolleys - they’re about giving shoppers real-time control, creating a compelling shopping experience.”

“We are also excited about the potential it holds for Sixty60’s in-store pickers, specifically the additional speed and accuracy with which the in-store picking process can be completed.” 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

In-store technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.