MADEIRA, Ohio—Kroger is now in the smart shopping cart game with its KroGo pilot program, Drug Store News reports. The self-checkout shopping cart utilizes technology from Caper that includes a built-in camera and scale, similar to the Amazon Dash Cart.

Kroger is testing the KroGo cart at an Ohio store. At the start of their shopping trip, customers put reusable bags into the KroGo for a weight check. Loyalty members then scan their card from the cart to automatically redeem coupons and register fuel point earnings. As they shop, customers scan, then bag their selections. KroGo has the ability to weigh produce items directly in the cart.

Once they have finished shopping, customers can pay on the cart or through self-checkout. KroGo carts can’t process gift card purchases, restriction pharmacy items, paper coupons or tobacco products. Customers needing to pay via cash, check, ETB or WIC can’t use the cart’s checkout system either. 

Other retailers have added new ways for customers to check out using technology and other last-mile options. Jewel-Osco piloted a pickup kiosk, while Choice Market is testing a frictionless store concept. Wawa recently opened its first drive-thru with mobile ordering. Walmart is checking out how customers like home delivery to smart coolers.

NACS Research last year published its landmark “Last Mile Fulfillment in Convenience Retail” study. To learn more, read “Covering the Last Mile” in the January 2021 issue of the NACS Magazine.