AI-Powered Smart Carts Boost Supermarket Spending by 32 Percent

Shoppers using AI-powered smart carts spend 32% more in supermarkets than those with ordinary trolleys.

Researchers from Bayes Business School at City St. George’s, University of London, studied consumer behavior in a German supermarket chain during March 2025, revealing how AI-driven shopping carts affect spending. This shift may indicate a growing role for digital assistance in influencing customer purchases and store revenues.

The study observed 12,418 unique shopping sessions, of which 9,422 involved smart cart users. These shoppers spent 32% more, purchased 25% more items, and stayed 23% longer in the store compared to those with ordinary trolleys. Spending spikes occurred mostly in afternoons and weekends. Notably, “superusers” with over 20 screen interactions per trip bought more items but did not increase their overall expenditure. The carts offered digitized lists, recommendations, navigation, and allowed shoppers to pay without queuing, with researchers noting that digital nudges might drive increased engagement and sales.

Researchers recommend retailers promote smart cart use through incentives like loyalty points or prizes to capitalize on these effects.

While Montana was not part of the study, retailers there might consider how AI-assisted shopping could impact consumer behavior, potentially encouraging longer visits and higher spending.

AI shopping cart users spend 32% more at supermarkets
By https://newatlas.com/author/etiido-uko/, New Atlas