Retailers like Kroger and Whole Foods are rolling out smart carts, and new data shows they might be quietly padding your grocery bill
It’s watching you.
Retail outlets seem to all be shifting to smart shopping carts now. While these carts look like a standard basket on wheels, they are actually sophisticated, AI-powered devices designed to change the way you shop. While these carts offer some genuinely cool features like navigation and checkout-free payments, new research suggests that they might also be quietly nudging you to spend more money than you originally planned.
According to Fox News, the study, which was published in the Journal of Business Research, comes from the Bayes Business School at City St George’s, University of London. Researchers looked at data from a major German supermarket chain during March 2025 to see how these digital carts influenced shopping habits. They analyzed 12,418 separate shopping trips. Out of those, 9,422 involved shoppers using carts equipped with tablet-style screens on the handle.
When comparing the groups, the researchers found that people using the smart carts spent 32% more on average than those who stuck with a traditional, analog cart. It was not just the total dollar amount that shifted, either. Smart-cart users purchased 25% more items and spent 23% more time wandering the store aisles. The data showed that this spending gap was particularly pronounced during afternoons and weekends, which are already high-traffic times for retailers.
The study found an association between the technology and higher spending
It did not prove that the carts directly caused the increase. It is possible that shoppers who were already planning a larger grocery run were simply more drawn to the advanced features of a smart cart. However, the sheer difference in spending is hard to ignore, especially since a standard grocery cart has essentially become another screen competing for your attention while you shop.
Dr. Sabrina Gottschalk, who led the study at Bayes Business School, pointed out that these findings suggest retailers could see significant revenue gains from this technology. The screens on these carts provide a prime spot for brands to advertise products while you are actively in the mindset of making purchasing decisions. Imagine walking down an aisle, and a promotion pops up on your cart handle for a nearby item. It might be something you need, but it also might be something you never intended to buy.
Retailers like Kroger and Schnucks, along with various Wakefern banners such as ShopRite and Fairway Market, are already deploying this tech in the U.S. Instacart has reported that thousands of its AI-powered Caper Carts are in use across more than 100 cities and 15 states.
These carts use cameras, built-in scales, and sensors to track exactly what you put into or take out of your basket. Amazon is also in the mix with its own version, the Dash Cart, which is slated to expand to dozens of additional Whole Foods Market locations by the end of 2026.
Then, there’s the issue of data-collection
These carts rely on basket-facing cameras and location-tracking systems to understand your movement through the store. Instacart has stated that this technology can connect your physical shopping behavior with your purchase history. That data helps make the recommendations on your screen more targeted, but it also means the store is learning quite a bit about your specific habits. Checking privacy settings connected to grocery store loyalty programs can show what information is being gathered.
Despite these findings, smart carts can be incredibly helpful if used strategically. The best way to handle this is individual vigilance. When the cart suggests an extra item, evaluate its necessity. It is also a good idea to treat on-screen recommendations like digital advertisements rather than helpful tips. The retailer benefits when you add more to your cart.
One of the best features of these smart carts is the ability to see a running total of your items. Shoppers can use this to their advantage, keeping track to avoid surprises at checkout. Staying mindful of how you interact with the screen can help you enjoy the convenience of the technology without letting it quietly drive up your grocery bill.
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