Checkers supermarket chain expands its smart-trolley technology

Dominant South African supermarket chain Checkers has expanded its Xpress smart-trolley concept to a new shopping centre near Centurion, north of Johannesburg. 

A trial of the new Xpress smart trolley was first announced in August 2025, with proof-of-concept taking place at the Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and Checkers Constantia outlets in Cape Town. 

Developed by the ShopriteX innovation team (Checkers is owned by the Shoprite group), the Xpress trolley allows customers to scan products as they shop, pack their own bags and pay without joining conventional checkout queues.  

Each trolley features a touchscreen displaying product information, personalised promotions and a running price total. It also provides in-store navigation to help shoppers locate products.

According to Checkers, this combines convenience with opportunities for more targeted and relevant promotional messaging at the point of purchase. 

Customers begin by scanning their Xtra Savings loyalty card. As they shop, they scan each item’s barcode and place it directly into their bags. At the shopping trip, payment is made at a dedicated checkout lane using the bank debit or credit card saved to their profile. A printed till slip is required to exit, with a concierge available to assist customers. 

The technology incorporates several verification measures. Security procedures are also in place to protect products regarded as being vulnerable to shoplifting. 

Neil Schreuder, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Shoprite, says the initiative is about giving shoppers real-time control, rather than simply adding computer screens to shopping trolleys.