ShopRite is transforming grocery shopping in New Jersey with the introduction of artificial intelligence-powered shopping carts at select locations in Hunterdon County. By the end of September, shoppers in Flemington, Clinton, and Greenwich will have access to these high-tech carts, designed to make the grocery experience faster, more efficient, and highly personalized.
The smart carts, developed by Instacart under the Caper Carts brand, combine cutting-edge technology with intuitive functionality. Equipped with integrated scales, sensors, touchscreens, and computer vision, the carts allow customers to scan and bag items as they shop, receiving real-time updates on their spending. The technology also helps with store navigation, guiding shoppers to products quickly and efficiently. Those with a ShopRite Price Plus membership can link their accounts to automatically apply in-store savings and special deals, further enhancing the convenience of the shopping experience.
ShopRite, part of Wakefern Food Corp. based in Keasbey, began piloting the smart carts shortly after Instacart acquired the technology in 2021. The rollout has since expanded to dozens of stores across the region, and the Colalillo family—owners of ShopRite of Hunterdon County—are leading the initiative locally. “We’re excited to introduce Caper Carts to our ShopRite stores in Flemington, Clinton, and Greenwich,” said Sam Colalillo. “As a third-generation grocer, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can transform shopping. Our customers now have a smarter, faster way to shop.”
The rollout of AI-powered carts reflects a broader trend in retail toward integrating advanced technology to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. By allowing shoppers to scan, bag, and pay directly at the cart, ShopRite reduces wait times at checkout while providing transparency and convenience at every step of the shopping journey.
The Colalillo family has also expanded this innovation to ShopRite stores in Pennsylvania, including locations in Yardley and Bethlehem, demonstrating their commitment to bringing the latest retail technologies to customers across state lines. Founded in 1965 by Joseph Colalillo, ShopRite of Hunterdon County now employs more than 1,300 associates across five stores, with the next generation continuing to drive innovation and community engagement.
For shoppers interested in exploring the latest in grocery technology and innovations across New Jersey, additional information can be found at Explore New Jersey Shopping.
