A New Era in South African Retail

Checkers trials SA’s first smart trolley with built-in checkout in what could be a game-changer for the retail industry in South Africa. The innovation marks a significant shift toward enhancing convenience, speed, and customer control while shopping in-store. As South Africa’s first smart shopping trolley, this new solution enables customers to bypass traditional checkout counters, transforming the shopping journey into a seamless, technology-driven experience.

With retail technology becoming a core driver of customer satisfaction worldwide, the arrival of the Checkers smart trolley signals South Africa’s commitment to staying ahead in a competitive global retail landscape.

Checkers introduces the Xpress Trolley

The smart trolley, branded as the Xpress Trolley, is currently being piloted at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and Checkers Constantia in the Western Cape. Each store has ten smart trolleys available for customers, following successful internal trials with employees at Checkers’ Brackenfell head office.

The ShopriteX innovation team spearheaded the project, embedding state-of-the-art technology into a seemingly ordinary trolley. Equipped with a sleek touchscreen, the smart trolley allows customers to:

• Scan items as they shop

• Track a live running total

• Access personalised promotions

• Pay directly via the trolley using the bank card saved on their Checkers Sixty60 profile

This system not only removes the inconvenience of long checkout queues but also enhances efficiency for both customers and the retailer.

The role of ShopriteX innovation

The ShopriteX innovation team has positioned itself as a leader in retail technology within South Africa. Beyond being an innovative shopping tool, the Xpress Trolley reflects a larger strategic vision of the Shoprite Group: to create the most seamless omnichannel retail environment in the country.

Shoprite’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Neil Schreuder, highlighted that the smart trolley is not just about flashy technology but about creating real value for shoppers. Schreuder explained that the system allows customers to remain in control from the moment they enter the store until they leave.

By integrating digital convenience into physical shopping, the Xpress Trolley embodies how South Africa retail technology is evolving to meet modern consumer demands.

Enhancing the Sixty60 shopping experience

Another key advantage of the smart trolley is its integration with the popular Checkers Sixty60 shopping experience. Sixty60, which revolutionised online grocery delivery in South Africa, now stands to benefit from faster and more accurate in-store order picking.

Schreuder noted that Sixty60’s in-store pickers will gain additional speed and accuracy with the Xpress Trolley, ultimately improving delivery times and order precision for online customers. This synergy shows how innovations in physical retail can directly strengthen digital services, further blurring the line between online and offline shopping.

A frictionless shopping journey

The smart trolley not only allows shoppers to scan and pay as they go but also provides real-time in-store navigation. The built-in screen points out where products are located, ensuring customers spend less time wandering the aisles. Once shopping is complete, users can proceed to a dedicated exit lane, collect a printed slip, and leave without needing to queue.

For additional support, a concierge service is available in-store to assist with any challenges shoppers may face.

This frictionless journey reflects the global trend of convenience-driven retail experiences, where speed and efficiency are as important as product variety and pricing.

South Africa’s retail technology in global context

While smart trolleys have already been introduced in overseas markets such as Europe, North America, and Asia, South Africa is now taking a step forward with the Checkers trial. The deployment of these trolleys positions the country alongside advanced retail markets adopting AI, automation, and digital integration to enhance customer experiences.

The South Africa retail technology landscape is evolving quickly, with Checkers at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge solutions. By piloting the smart trolley, Checkers not only boosts its competitive edge but also sets a benchmark for other retailers in the region.

Why the Checkers smart trolley matters

1. Customer convenience – Faster checkout, no queues, and digital guidance.

2. Innovation leadership – Checkers demonstrates how local retailers can compete globally.

3. Integration with Sixty60 – Enhances online order fulfillment speed and accuracy.

4. Omnichannel strategy – Supports Shoprite Group’s goal of creating a seamless hybrid retail model.

5. Retail transformation – Inspires broader adoption of retail technology across South Africa.

Shopper reactions and future expansion

Although the Xpress Trolley is currently available only at two pilot stores, early customer responses are expected to play a significant role in shaping its rollout nationwide. Insights from this trial will inform future expansion, potentially bringing smart trolleys to stores across South Africa.

Shoprite has made it clear that customer experience will drive its decision-making. If the pilot proves successful, South Africa could see the first wave of smart trolleys becoming a common sight in supermarkets within a few years.

The future of South African retail

The launch of the Xpress Trolley underlines how Checkers trials SA’s first smart trolley with built-in checkout is more than just a headline—it’s a clear signal of where the country’s retail sector is heading. By combining technology with customer-centric design, Checkers is ensuring it remains competitive in a fast-changing market.

This development also highlights how ShopriteX innovation is reshaping the shopping journey, while boosting the broader Sixty60 shopping experience. Ultimately, the project reflects a growing recognition that South Africa retail technology is key to staying relevant in the global economy.

Conclusion

Checkers trials SA’s first smart trolley with built-in checkout not just as a pilot project, but as a glimpse into the future of shopping in South Africa. The Xpress Trolley combines convenience, speed, and innovation, reshaping how customers interact with supermarkets.

By leading the way with the Checkers smart trolley, powered by ShopriteX innovation, Checkers is positioning itself as a pioneer of South Africa retail technology while enhancing the Sixty60 shopping experience.

If successful, this initiative could pave the way for widespread adoption, setting new standards for shopping efficiency and customer satisfaction across the country.

Here are five mainstream South African media outlets that have reported on Checkers’ trial of its smart shopping trolley, the Xpress Trolley:

1. Reuters

   • “Shoprite’s Checkers trials high-tech shopping trolleys in South Africa”

   • Published: August 21, 2025

   • Link: ReutersReuters+3MyBroadband+3News24+3Reuters+1Reuters+1

2. News24

   • “SEE | New Checkers smart trolley takes payments, avoids tills”

   • Published: August 20, 2025

   • Link: News24News24+2News24+2News24+1

3. MyBroadband

   • “Checkers smart trolley launched that lets shoppers skip till queues”

   • Published: August 20, 2025

   • Link: MyBroadbandWikipedia+1Retail Technology Innovation Hub+5MyBroadband+5MyBroadband+5Reuters+5Retail Technology Innovation Hub+5Retail Technology Innovation Hub+5MyBroadband+1

4. Retail Tech Innovation Hub

   • “South Africa’s Checkers tests out Xpress Trolley with built in scanner and automated checkout”

   • Published: August 20, 2025

   • Link: Retail Tech Innovation HubRetail Technology Innovation Hub+2Retail Technology Innovation Hub+2IOL+4Retail Technology Innovation Hub+4Retail Technology Innovation Hub+4

5. SAPeople

   • “Checkers launches South Africa’s first ‘smart trolley’: How it works”

   • Published: August 21, 2025

   • Link: SAPeopleSA People