Checkers Launches Xpress Trolley: A Revolutionary Step Toward Queue-Free Shopping in South Africa

In an era where time is more valuable than ever, standing in long checkout lines has become one of the most universally dreaded aspects of grocery shopping. But what if you could simply scan your items as you shop, pay directly from your trolley, and walk out without ever waiting in a queue? That future is now a reality in South Africa, thanks to Checkers’ groundbreaking new Xpress Trolley.

Launched as a pilot program in select Western Cape stores, this innovation promises to redefine the in-store shopping experience, blending cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience. Developed in-house by ShopriteX—the innovation arm of the Shoprite Group—the Xpress Trolley is more than just a cart with a screen; it’s a comprehensive shopping assistant designed to save time, reduce friction, and put shoppers in control.

How the Checkers Xpress Trolley Works

So, how does this smart trolley actually function? The process is intuitive and user-friendly, designed to make shopping smoother from start to finish:

• Shoppers begin by scanning their Xtra Savings card on the trolley’s mounted screen.
• They place provided shopping bags directly into the trolley.
• Each product’s barcode is scanned before being placed into the bag.
• A live running total is displayed, along with product details and personalized promotions.
• Once shopping is complete, users proceed to a dedicated lane, pay using the card linked to their Checkers Sixty60 profile, and exit—no traditional till required.

A store concierge is available to assist shoppers, ensuring a seamless transition into this new way of shopping.

More Than a Gimmick: Real Benefits for Real Shoppers

It’s easy to dismiss technological advancements as flashy novelties, but the Xpress Trolley offers tangible benefits. For one, it eliminates one of the biggest pain points in retail: waiting. By allowing customers to scan and bag as they go, Checkers is effectively bringing the efficiency of self-checkout systems to the entire store layout.

But the advantages don’t stop there. The trolley’s screen also serves as an in-store navigation tool, helping shoppers locate products quickly without wandering through aisles. It displays real-time spending, helping budget-conscious consumers avoid surprises at the register. And for loyal Checkers customers, the integration with Xtra Savings and Sixty60 means personalized deals are just a tap away.

Neil Schreuder, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Shoprite Group, emphasized that this is “not about the novelty of screens on trolleys,” but about giving shoppers “real-time control” and creating “a compelling shopping experience.”

The Bigger Picture: Checkers, Technology, and the Future of Retail

This move is part of a broader strategy by Checkers and parent company Shoprite to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. With rivals like Pick n Pay expanding their own rapid delivery services, innovation has become a key battleground.

The Xpress Trolley also has implications for Checkers’ highly successful Sixty60 service. By streamlining the in-store picking process, the smart trolley could help Sixty60 employees fulfill orders more quickly and accurately—a win for both online and offline customers.

It’s clear that Checkers is betting big on a integrated, tech-driven future. From same-day delivery to AI-powered inventory systems and now smart trolleys, the retailer is positioning itself as a leader in South Africa’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

What Shoppers Can Expect Next

The pilot, which began in mid-August at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and later expanded to Checkers Constantia, has been met with enthusiasm. With 10 trolleys available at each location during the trial phase, the response will likely determine how quickly the technology is rolled out nationally.

If successful, we could see Xpress Trolleys in Checkers stores across the country in the coming months—a significant step toward what industry insiders call “frictionless retail.”

For now, South African shoppers have a chance to be among the first to try a system that could very well become the new standard in grocery shopping worldwide.

Conclusion: A Glimpse Into the Supermarket of Tomorrow

The introduction of the Xpress Trolley is more than just another tech upgrade—it’s a signal of where retail is headed. As consumers increasingly prioritize speed, convenience, and personalization, retailers must adapt or risk being left behind.

Checkers, with this bold move, is not only keeping pace but setting the pace. The days of long queues, crowded tills, and frustrating checkout experiences may soon be behind us. And for anyone who’s ever abandoned a full trolley because of a endless line, that’s a future worth embracing.