Walmart Chile, operating under the name “Al Carro de Líder,” is revolutionizing the shopping experience for its customers by expanding its innovative shopping solution to its Lider Express stores. This expansion, in collaboration with Shopic, a retail technology startup, aims to simplify, expedite, and improve the shopping experience for customers through the integration of advanced technology.
Transforming the Way People Shop
Santiago, November 2024 – After a successful pilot, Walmart Chile is now introducing Shopic’s Smart Cart technology to more stores. This technology, which can be attached to any shopping cart, uses AI and computer vision to recognize thousands of products with over 95% accuracy. This strategic move is aimed at transforming the shopping experience for Chilean shoppers by incorporating cutting-edge technology into their everyday shopping routine. The detachable nature of this technology makes it easily accessible and efficient, setting a new standard for retail innovation.
Walmart Chile, through five of its Lider Express stores, is the first local supermarket chain to adopt this computer vision-based Smart Cart and stand out as a pioneer in the retail market.
“At Walmart Chile, our mission is to help our customers save money and live better. By implementing new technologies that streamline the shopping process, we are bringing this mission to life. We are excited to expand into five new districts in the Metropolitan Region, bringing innovation closer to more people, enhancing their shopping experience, and putting a smile on our customers’ faces with every visit,” says Frank Eckert, Manager of Central Operations at Walmart Chile.
The initial phase of this technology, known as “Al Carro de Líder” exclusively in Chile, will be rolled out in five Lider Express stores in the Metropolitan Region: Rojas Magallanes (Sánchez Fontecilla 8968, La Florida); Valle Lo Campino (Av. Américo Vespucio 1651, Quilicura); Latadia (Av. Américo Vespucio Sur 1790, Las Condes); La Dehesa (El Rodeo 12850, Lo Barnechea); and Laguna del Sol (Av. San Ignacio 1624, Padre Hurtado).
A New Era for Shoppers and Retailers
Shopic’s technology enhances efficiency through automatic product recognition, allowing shoppers to bag items as they shop, view real-time totals, and enjoy personalized discounts without having to wait in traditional checkout lines. In regions where Shopic is already active, the technology offers in-cart personalized promotions that have been shown to increase conversion rates by up to 36.8%, according to internal data. It also speeds up the checkout process, with shoppers able to complete their purchases in under a minute, compared to the average 9-minute wait at cashier lanes. Once done, shoppers simply detach the device and head to their car, making for a seamless journey from shelf to car.
This advanced technology also provides retailers with valuable insights into shopper behavior and aisle traffic, helping them improve their customers’ experiences. The system’s easy deployment and adaptable training mechanisms allow retailers to integrate Shopic’s technology seamlessly with minimal store adjustments.
Looking Ahead
“This expansion in South America marks a new chapter in our mission to blend the convenience of the online world with brick-and-mortar stores,” says Raz Golan, CEO and founder of Shopic. “We are excited to see how the Smart Cart technology will continue to transform the retail landscape, enhancing the shopping experience for Chilean shoppers and providing significant business value for retailers. This front-end platform is another step towards the digitization of in-store shopping,” adds Golan.
With the integration of Shopic, Walmart Chile’s Lider Express stores are setting a precedent for the future of shopping in the region. This launch not only signifies an improvement in technology but also a new way of shopping for customers.
About Shopic: Shopic is a leading provider of computer vision and AI-powered Smart Cart solutions that bring the convenience of online shopping to physical supermarkets. Founded in 2015, Shopic’s technology is transforming retail worldwide, enhancing the shopping experience for customers and improving operational efficiency.
About Walmart Chile: Walmart Chile, the parent company of Lider Express, SuperBodega aCuenta, and Central Mayorista supermarkets, has nearly 400 stores from Arica to Punta Arenas, in addition to its digital shopping channels. Their comprehensive omnichannel approach, fueled by innovation and technology, is designed to help people save money and improve their quality of life.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.