A number of local and independent grocers — including Bowman’s Market, Maurer’s Market IGA, Neiman’s Family Market, Queen’s Price Chopper and Soelbergs Market — are adopting Instacart‘s AI-powered smart Caper Carts. Together the stores serve customers across eight states, including Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Caper Carts are equipped with cameras, sensors and a built-in scale that work together with an Edge AI system to automatically recognize items as they are placed in the cart and to keep a running total as customers shop. The carts’ interactive screen provides access to deals, offers and product recommendations based on the customer’s location in the store and the cart’s contents. Because Caper Carts are integrated with retailers’ existing loyalty programs, customers also can access personalized promotions and rewards while shopping, including automatic discounts and digital coupons. At the end of their trip, customers check out directly from the cart.
“Neiman’s Family Market has been a fixture in our Michigan communities for over 40 years, and we’ve always believed in combining tradition with innovation,” said Bryan Neiman, President and CEO of Neiman’s Family Market in a statement. “Introducing Instacart’s Caper Carts in our stores is our way of honoring our family’s legacy of exceptional customer service. 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.”
Caper Carts is part of Instacart’s Connected Stores suite of technologies, which also includes Storefront, Carrot Ads, Eversight and Carrot Tags, all designed to bridge the online and in-store shopping experience for both retailers and customers. Other chains that have recently rolled out Caper Carts alongside other Instacart Connected Stores offerings include Aldi, Schnucks, Gelson’s, Hornbacher’s, Save Mart and Associated Wholesale Grocers.
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“Caper Carts are enhancing the in-store grocery shopping experience by boosting sales, increasing the visibility of promotions and affordability, and creating new advertising opportunities for retailers through the engaging digital screen,” said Nick Nickitas, General Manager for Local Independent Grocery at Instacart in a statement. “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.”
