Technology
Instacart expands Caper Carts footprint
November 12, 2024
Instacart has added multiple local and independent grocers to the list of clients adopting its AI-powered Caper Carts.
The latest grocery adopters are Bowman's Market, Maurer's Market IGA, Neiman's Family Market, Queen's Price Chopper and Soelbergs Market, according to a press release.
Caper Carts are equipped with cameras, sensors and a built-in scale, which work together with an Edge AI system to automatically recognize items as they are placed in the cart. Once added, they are able to watch their running cost total — similar to an online shopping cart.
Caper Carts feature an interactive screen that tracks spending, provides access to deals, and offers product recommendations based on the customer's location in the store and the carts' contents. Integrated with loyalty programs, Caper Carts allow customers to access personalized promotions and rewards throughout their shopping.
"Over the past year, we've seen a wave of innovative, independent grocers adopting Caper Carts," Nick Nickitas, general manager, Local Independent Grocery at Instacart, said in the release. "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. 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."
Caper Carts is part of Instacart's Connected Stores suite of technologies, including Storefront, Carrot Ads, Eversight and Carrot Tags.
"At Maurer's Market IGA, we're committed to giving our customers the best possible shopping experience while maintaining the personalized service they've come to expect," an executive at Maurer's Market IGA said in the release. "By introducing Instacart's Caper Carts to our stores, we'll be blending innovation with our traditional values to make grocery shopping more convenient and enjoyable for our community. We're excited to offer this smart technology that will help our customers track their spending and save money while they shop."
The news come a month after Instacart announced it had added gamification, personalized offers and advertising to its Caper Cart to give shoppers a more seamless shopping experience.
