Instacart's Caper Carts Down Under: check out this week's coolest retail technology plays
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including NearSt, Coles Supermarkets, Instacart, Laura Mercier, Obsess, Wolt, Zara, Cleveron, Tesco Media and Insight Platform, Snappy Shopper, Sheng Siong Group, and Deliveroo.
Pricewatch Group
NearSt has announced a new solutions for UK convenience retailers that automatically connects their EPoS systems and in-store inventory to major delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat.
"This technology represents an important step forward for convenience retail," says Nick Brackenbury, Co-founder and CEO at NearSt.
"We're empowering local retailers with capabilities that were previously out of reach. With our extensive network of over 150 Point of Sale partners alongside our last mile delivery integrations, we enable retailers to seamlessly transform their last mile offering into a genuine competitive advantage and revenue driver."
Pricewatch Group - operating stores under Morrisons Daily, Nisa, Gulf, and BP brands - was the first retailer to leverage NearSt’s real-time local inventory feeds with delivery platforms, starting in September 2024.
Coles Supermarkets and Instacart
Australian retailer Coles Supermarkets reports the roll-out of Caper Carts, Instacart’s AI powered smart trolleys, at its Richmond Traders location in Melbourne.
Caper Carts are equipped with AI, cameras, and a built-in scale, which work together to automatically recognise items as they are added to the trolley. They enable customers to bag as they shop and watch their running total. At the end of their shopping, customers can checkout directly from the trolley.
Caper Carts sync to Coles’ Flybuys rewards programme. Customers can scan their Flybuys card or Coles app to instantly access personalised offers and view in-store specials on the trolley’s digital screen.
When they shop in-store, they can later view purchased items under their ‘buy it again’ list on the Coles app and website. Equipped with gamified capabilities, they also have the chance to win discounts by spinning a digital wheel on the trolley’s screen at checkout.
Coles is the first retailer in the APAC region to launch Caper Carts, and also the first in the country to introduce AI powered trolleys.
HIVED
All electric parcel delivery company HIVED has placed an order for 11 Mercedes-Benz eActros as it expands its UK delivery network, covering middle and final mile.
It has ordered nine eActros 600 and two eActros 400 from Mercedes-Benz Dealer partner, Motus Truck & Van. They will operate across HIVED’s nationwide middle mile network, collecting from retailer warehouses for delivery to end customers.
In the next year, HIVED plans to install megawatt chargers at its hubs in West London, the Midlands and Manchester. These will allow the eActros 600 to charge from 20 to 80% in 30 minutes.
Sheng Siong Group and Deliveroo
Lo made the comment as his company partnered exclusively with Sheng Siong Group, one of Singapore’s largest grocery retailers. 21 of its stores are now available on Deliveroo, with expansion to 31 in the works - allowing customers access to fresh produce, pantry essentials, household goods and more.
In a LinkedIn post, Lo said: "At first glance, Deliveroo partnering with Sheng Siong might seem unexpected. One is a globally recognised brand in food delivery, the other a beloved homegrown supermarket deeply embedded in Singapore’s heartlands. But that’s exactly what makes this collaboration so exciting."
He added: "In today’s fast evolving consumer landscape, success isn’t just about being big or about scale - it’s about being locally relevant. Deliveroo brings its grocery tech and logistics expertise, while Sheng Siong provides a strong foothold in Singapore neighbourhoods, catering to everyday shoppers who prioritises value and trust.”
“Together, we’re making grocery shopping more convenient for Singaporeans than ever before, blending global innovation with local familiarity. This partnership is a great example of how international brands can truly integrate into local markets - not just by expanding their footprint, but by embracing the unique ways people shop and live."
Wolt
Wolt has announced the launch of its new Gifting feature, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Starting this week, customers across all Wolt markets can gift almost anything from the platform, choosing from restaurants, groceries, and local shops. Beyond food, potential purchases include flowers, chocolates, and accessories. With the new feature, they can now add a digital card and personal message.
“It’s about more than the gift, it’s about the connections and memories it creates,” says Bachir Bennani, Director of Product, Consumer Product. “The new feature unites our delivery expertise with the joy of thoughtful giving. It highlights how Wolt can make it easier for people to celebrate and connect. With Gifting, we’re helping people celebrate, connect and show they care in a way that feels personal and meaningful.”
Zara
Zara is deploying Click & Collect robotics delivery, powered by Cleveron.
Customers can now pick up their orders from lockers in under ten seconds, from scanning the code to having the package in hand. The service offers 24/7 availability, no queues, and lays claim to higher customer satisfaction, due to it being faster, easier, and more efficient than previous offerings.
"Retail is evolving, and innovative solutions like this are shaping the future," says Fredrik Fenberg, Director of Business Development Nordic at Cleveron.
Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier has launched a luxury beauty shopping app for Apple Vision Pro, created in partnership with Obsess which was recently acquired by Infinite Reality.
This allows Apple Vision Pro users to shop and explore products by category, and also features shoppable videos and interactive, ultra-high definition 3D unboxing experiences. Inside the app, shoppers can explore Laura Mercier products while immersed in their choice of settings - a sophisticated New York boutique or a chic Parisian atelier.
The Content Hub inside the experience showcases high fidelity shoppable videos optimised for Apple Vision Pro. Visitors can watch expert tutorials featuring Laura Mercier's latest products, including the Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Shimmer, Tightline Eyeliner, and Extravagant Mascara, and purchase products directly within the app.
Tesco Media and Insight Platform
Tesco Media and Insight Platform has announced a new activation with Nestlé, its first ever Tesco Express store wrap.
To celebrate the Tesco exclusive launch of KitKat sharing bars, it created a full funnel campaign designed to engage shoppers at every touchpoint including: bespoke digital promo bay takeovers; special build OOH screens; targeted online sampling trials.
This was also a Nestlé confectionery first, leveraging Tesco Clubcard data to reach the most relevant shoppers, from sofa to store.
Girish Jeeva and Snappy Shopper
Retailer Girish Jeeva has launched 24/7 delivery through Snappy Shopper from his flagship Premier @ Barmulloch store, making it the first physical location in Scotland to launch this service with the company.
In a LinkedIn post, Michael Watt, Regional Growth Manager at Snappy Shopper, said: "It was an icy cold Thursday night and we were hoping for five to ten orders throughout the night. To end up doing 25 orders during the newly opened times signalled a great success and pleasant surprise."
"Girish is always looking to be innovative and push boundaries and he certainly has with this new initiative. I joined him at the store to witness the first late night/early morning deliveries coming through and seen Girish's dedication, excitement and eagerness in full force."
Klarna
Klarna Co-founder and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski has taken to social media to tease a move by his company in to the cryptocurrency space.
In a post on X, he said: “OK. I give up. Klarna and me will embrace crypto! More to come Yes I know! This post will get a huge sigh and two views But it still feels historic. Last large FinTech in the world to embrace it. Someone had to be last. And that’s a milestone as well of some sort…”
He added: “Btw all crypto fans. Tell me what we should do with it? We have 85 m users worldwide. 100 bn of volume. Over 0.5 m merchants. About 30% of volume is debit not credit. Over 1 million cards. I have some ideas but keen to hear more!”
Responding to a barrage of replies, he commented: “Wow Will fill my todo list for some while… Promise to follow up with all the ideas and suggestions! Feel free to follow me and I will keep you in the loop. Actually it was three great entrepreneurs introduced to me by Sequoia Capital’s Andrew Reed that made me see the light.”
Ikea
Ikea says that it has received 3,730 applications in just six days for its new Oxford Street, London store. Interest in the 150 available positions marks the largest ever response the home furnishing retailer has seen in the UK.
It provides the independently set Real Living Wage of £13.85 per hour alongside benefits including flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and a free healthy meal option served every day.
Successful applicants will be offered multi-skilled roles, working across different departments. They will work in a store that aims to fuse traditional retail expertise with new digital solutions and sustainable practices.
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