The fast-growing discount grocer Aldi is deploying new omni-channel Instacart technology in US stores and testing smart carts in Europe.
The grocer began offering online delivery in the US via Instacart in 2017 and has since added new Instacart-based solutions such as Aldi Express, a virtual convenience store supported by the grocery technology company.
Now, Aldi is rolling out Instacart Caper Carts across its US stores and also piloting the smart cart technology in Austria. Caper Carts feature an interactive screen to engage customers, track spending, provide direct access to coupons and deals through a loyalty program and enable shoppers to check out from wherever they are in the store.
In addition, Aldi is rolling out several Instacart Connected Stores solutions, a suite of technologies intended to help grocers build a unified, seamless and personalized experience. These include:
In-store mode: This feature helps customers see what’s in-stock, get details about items on their list, sort items by aisle and access in-store promotions and discounts through the Instacart app. For retailers, in-store mode helps provide a 360-degree view of customers across channels.
Carrot tags: These electronic shelf tags have pick-to-light capabilities enabling Instacart shoppers to select an item on their phone and the corresponding shelf label will flash. Carrot tags have already launched in more than 100 Aldi stores in Illinois and Ohio and will roll out nationwide in the coming months.
Pickup fulfillment: Store associates now pick and pack items for curb-side pickup by customers using Instacart technology.
