New World Papakura supermarket will trial connected ‘Zoom Trolleys’ at its stores until November so shoppers can test out the new technology.

The trolleys enable customers to keep track of the costs (and savings) on purchases as they shop, with their purchases updated as they add goods to the basket.

“We’ve taken customer feedback from our first iteration of the trolleys, which we trialled at New World Pukekohe last year, and applied these learnings to what customers will now see on trial at New World Papakura,” said Simon Kennedy chief digital officer at Foodstuffs North Island.

“The beauty about trials is that we were able to gather customer feedback in real time and further adapt the technology to better suit customers’ shopping needs. Gathering more feedback and refining the Zoom Trolley offer will be an integral part of this new trial. We’re looking forward to offering customers a more seamless, integrated shopping experience.”

Shoppers can simply register for a New World Clubcard, then download an app to use Zoom Trolleys. At the store, they can collect the device and insert it into the special Zoom Trolley. Then shoppers can scan the QR code using the app and start shopping.

Zoom Trolleys have hands-free, large screens and use Zoom. Shoppers enjoyed that feature and also wanted to be able to use the trolley until the parking lot so they can take their groceries to their car with convenience.

The company said they redesigned the trolleys using a removable device so shoppers can retrieve the tablet at the customer service counter when they arrive at the supermarket. They can give it back to the customer service area when they exit after buying their essentials. Zoom Trolleys also enable customers to go around the stores without needing to push the carts.

The trolleys have built-in scanners to track savings and spending in real time. It is a safer way to shop as customers can weigh, scan and pack their own produce which lessens handling the products twice. The supermarket said this also allows shoppers to save time at the checkout since their items are already scanned and they can easily pack their own groceries at the checkout counters.