Instacart Brings AI Shopping Carts to Local Grocers Across 8 States

Your neighborhood grocery store is getting a high-tech upgrade. Several local and independent grocers across eight states are introducing artificial intelligence-equipped Caper Carts to make shopping smarter, faster and more personalized.

Bowman's Market, Maurer's Market IGA, Neiman's Family Market, Queen's Price Chopper and Soelbergs Market are among the grocers rolling out the smart carts from Instacart. The technology is gaining traction with innovative independent supermarkets looking to elevate the in-store experience.

So how do these futuristic carts work? Cameras, sensors and a built-in scale team up with an edge AI system to automatically recognize items as you place them in your cart. An interactive screen tracks your running total, offers deals and makes product recommendations based on your location and cart contents. When you're done, just check out directly from the cart - no waiting in line required.

"Over the past year, we've seen a wave of innovative, independent grocers adopting Caper Carts," said Nick Nickitas, general manager of local independent grocery at Instacart. "These carts are an absolute hit with customers, helping local independent grocers solidify their place in the hearts and minds of the communities they serve."

The carts integrate with stores' loyalty programs, allowing you to redeem personalized promotions and rewards as you shop. The more you buy, the more you save, with automatic discounts and digital coupons based on your growing basket size.

Grocers say the carts align with their core values of exceptional service and community connection.

"Introducing Instacart's Caper Carts in our stores is our way of honoring our family's legacy of exceptional customer service," said Bryan Neiman, president and CEO of Neiman's Family Market in Michigan. "These smart carts will help us create a more personalized and efficient shopping experience, allowing us to better serve the families who have been shopping with us for generations."

David Cook, CFO of Utah-based Bowman's Market, agrees. "We're always looking for new ways to improve the shopping experience for our community and the Caper Carts are a fantastic solution," he said. "These carts not only make it easier and faster for our customers to shop but also allow us to continue providing the friendly, hands-on service that makes our store unique."

The smart carts are part of Instacart's Connected Stores suite of technologies designed to blend the online and in-store shopping.

by Alex Bailey | November 18, 2024 | SHARE