November 13th 2024.
Coles, one of Australia's largest grocery chains, is about to launch a trial of AI-powered smart trolleys that will revolutionize the shopping experience. These innovative trolleys, a first for Australia, will use artificial intelligence, sensors, and an in-built scale to provide an efficient and seamless checkout process for customers. The trial will take place at the Coles Richmond Traders store in Melbourne, starting in January 2025. And lucky customers at this store will have the opportunity to test these cutting-edge trolleys starting today.
This groundbreaking technology was developed in collaboration with US delivery giant Instacart. The trolleys will have a digital screen displaying specials, product locations, and a running total of the shopping cart to help customers manage their budget. What's more, customers will be able to pay directly on the trolley using the in-built EFTPOS machine. And the best part? These trolleys are free to use, and no app is required to activate them.
Coles' chief digital officer, Ben Hassing, expressed his excitement about being the first retailer in Australia to introduce AI-powered trolleys. He believes that this will offer customers a convenient and engaging way to shop in-store, saving them time and making the checkout process faster and more flexible. This initiative is in line with Coles' omnichannel approach, utilizing digital capabilities to enhance the in-store experience. Hassing also highlighted the company's commitment to continuously test and learn from innovative solutions to meet customer needs and improve convenience.
The trial of the AI trolleys is part of Coles' efforts to provide customers with more value through their shopping experience. The company is also aware of the rising cost of living and wants to help customers stick to their budget. And this is where the trolleys' digital screen comes in handy. According to David McIntosh, Instacart's chief connected stores officer, customers love being able to see their running total and manage their budget in real-time. The digital screen also offers further discounts and savings through a digital wheel feature, making the shopping experience even more exciting for customers.
It's worth noting that during the trial period, customers won't be able to use the in-built EFTPOS machines on the trolleys. However, this feature will be available to customers in the future. With the increasing cost of living, Coles and Instacart are determined to provide customers with a more seamless and budget-friendly shopping experience. So, keep an eye out for these AI-powered smart trolleys at your local Coles store. Who knows, you might be one of the lucky customers to test them out and experience the future of shopping firsthand.
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