New way to pay at Checkers: Smart Trolleys speed up shopping
New way to pay at Checkers: Smart Trolleys speed up shopping is the bold promise from the Shoprite Group as it moves into a new phase of its high-tech retail trial. Since February 2026, the retailer has been fine-tuning its Shoprite Xpress Trolley system, which allows customers to scan, bag, and pay for their groceries without ever visiting a traditional till point. First launched at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and Checkers Constantia, this retail innovation is proving that the future of South African shopping is faster, smarter, and significantly more convenient.
How the Checkers Smart Trolley Revolutionized the Aisle
The Checkers smart trolley is not just a standard cart with a tablet attached; it is a fully integrated point-of-sale system on wheels. For many shoppers, the journey begins by scanning their XtraSavings card on the mounted screen. This step is crucial, as it identifies the customer and automatically links the trolley to the bank card saved on their Checkers Sixty60 profile.
Once logged in, the process is simple:
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Scan-as-you-go: Customers use the built-in scanner to log each item before placing it into the bag inside the trolley.
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Real-time Budgeting: The screen displays a running total, including all active XtraSavings discounts, helping shoppers stay within their budget.
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Store Navigation: The tablet includes a digital map to help locate specific products in the store.
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Frictionless Exit: After finishing, the customer walks through a dedicated Xpress lane. The total is deducted from their linked card, a slip is printed, and they exit the store.
Speeding Up the Festive Season: 75% Faster Checkouts
The true potential of this technology was realized during the December 2025 holiday period. While traditional till lines stretched into the aisles, Shoprite confirmed that the New way to pay at Checkers: Smart Trolleys speed up shopping resulted in checkout speeds that were over 75% faster than standard lanes.
The retailer found that the greatest value was derived during “top-up shops”—those quick trips for a few essentials where customers typically hate waiting behind others with full trolleys. By empowering the customer to act as their own cashier, the Shoprite Xpress Trolley eliminates the most significant bottleneck in the retail experience: the payment queue.
Checkers Xpress Trolley vs. Traditional Checkout
| Feature | Xpress Smart Trolley | Traditional Till Point |
| Scanning | Done by customer during shop | Done by cashier at the end |
| Bagging | Done as you go | Done while under pressure at till |
| Payment | Automatic (Linked Card) | Manual (Card/Cash) |
| Queue Time | Minimal to none | High (especially during peak) |
| Savings Tracking | Real-time on screen | Only visible at the end |
The Challenges of Self-Checkout South Africa
The rise of self-checkout South Africa has been slower than in Europe or the US, primarily due to concerns regarding retail theft and the potential for job losses. However, the Shoprite Group has addressed these concerns by positioning the smart trolley as a tool for efficiency rather than a replacement for human staff.
The trial includes dedicated concierges at the Xpress lanes to assist with any technical glitches or age-verification for items like alcohol. Furthermore, the Checkers smart trolley uses advanced sensors to detect if an item has been placed in the basket without being scanned, maintaining a high level of security without the intrusive feel of traditional surveillance.
Why XtraSavings is the Key to Success
The success of the New way to pay at Checkers: Smart Trolleys speed up shopping relies heavily on the XtraSavings card ecosystem. With millions of South Africans already using the rewards program, the transition to a smart trolley feels like a natural evolution. The trolley doesn’t just scan barcodes; it offers personalized recommendations and reminders. If a shopper typically buys milk but hasn’t scanned it yet, the trolley might offer a subtle prompt or alert them to a “Buy 2 and Save” deal they might have missed.
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Future Outlook: A Nationwide Rollout?
While the current trial is limited to the Western Cape, the “growing enthusiasm” and high re-usage rates suggest that a wider rollout is imminent. Shoprite has noted that more than a third of people who try the smart trolley once become frequent users within the first month.
As the New way to pay at Checkers: Smart Trolleys speed up shopping continues to evolve, it sets a new benchmark for other local retailers. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or just someone who wants to get home 15 minutes earlier, the Xpress Trolley is a glimpse into a more efficient South African retail world.
Mainstream media references:
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MyBroadband: New way to pay at Checkers
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BusinessTech: Checkers launching new touchscreen ‘smart trolley’ that will let you skip queues
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