Schnucks expands AI-equipped Instacart smart cart rollout
Schnuck Markets Inc. is deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled shopping carts from Instacart in new stores and a new state.
Schnucks, which initially implemented Instacart Caper Cart smart carts, which automatically identify items as they are added to the cart, in stores in St. Louis in 2024, is rolling out Caper Carts to more stores across Missouri and expanding them into stores in Illinois for the first time.
Caper Cart, which Instacart acquired in October 2021, is equipped with scales, sensors, touchscreens and computer vision technology. The screen helps shoppers navigate the store, and proprietary scanless technology allows customers to drop them in the cart to be checked off a premade online list.
With the Schnucks expansion, Instacart is also introducing a new feature: the lower tray. Designed to improve the cart’s versatility, this option is intended to make it easier for customers to add heavy, bulkier items such as cases of water, soda, or pet food to the cart by scanning them and placing them on the bottom tray, without having to lift them all the way to the basket.
"It’s clear to us that customers love shopping with Caper Carts – and at our newly launched stores, we’re seeing many times throughout the day where all 10 carts are in use," said Chace MacMullan, senior director of digital experience at Schnucks. "As a family-owned grocer, we’re always looking for new ways to stay competitive and improve the in-store experience for our customers. Caper Carts are intuitive and make shopping fun and engaging."
Schnucks is also using Caper Carts to alert customers to available promotions and discounts by syncing to their Schnucks Rewards account, as well as provide Caper-exclusive coupons customers can earn by shopping with the cart.
Schnucks expands Instacart collaboration
Schnucks first partnered with Instacart in 2017 for same-day delivery, and has since deployed a number of Instacart Platform omnichannel technologies.
[READ MORE: Instacart offers full omnichannel experience with in-store platform]
These include the Carrot Ads solution that lets CPG brands directly connect with customers as they shop at Schnucks online with targeted ads, as well as the Eversight pricing and promotions application for real-time optimization of in-store and online prices.
Schnucks has also deployed the Carrot Tags pick-to-light solution that lets order pickers tap an item on their mobile phone to have the corresponding ESL flash to making it easier to find items on the shelf in its stores in the coming months.
“Schnucks was an early adopter of Caper Carts, so they’ve seen first-hand how the carts can drive a double-digit basket size increase,” said David McIntosh, chief connected stores officer at Instacart. “Whether customers are looking to save money, stay on budget, or simply enjoy the convenience and ability to scan, pay, and go – we’re proud to offer an engaging and personalized way to shop for Schnucks customers.”
Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is a third and fourth generation, family-owned grocer that operates 114 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Based in San Francisco, Instacart partners with more than 1,800 national, regional and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery and pickup services from more than 100,000 stores across North America on the Instacart marketplace.
