Geissler’s supermarket upgrades AI-powered shopping carts with Instacart technology
Geissler’s supermarket upgrades AI-powered shopping carts with Instacart technology
Publish Date: 2026-05-20 16:31:00
Source Domain: www.wfsb.com
GRANBY, Conn. (WFSB) – A Connecticut supermarket chain has upgraded its AI-powered shopping carts with new technology, though many customers remain hesitant to trade traditional carriages for the high-tech alternative.
Geissler’s recently installed Instacart technology in its Caper Carts at all store locations. The carts allow shoppers to scan items as they shop, weigh produce on the spot and track spending in real time.
Beverly Allen said she uses the AI carts regularly at the Granby location.
“I like the fact that there’s the little alert system that will tell me when you’re in a certain aisle what items are on sale,” Allen said.
How the carts work
The carts use sensors and cameras to scan items. They are equipped with tablets that display sales throughout the store. When shoppers change aisles, the tablet screen updates to show discounts available in that section.
Customers can pay by swiping their card in the cart, skipping checkout lines.
Bob Ryvick, Geissler’s CEO, said customer adoption has been slow despite positive feedback from those who try the carts.
“The people that have tried the cart love it,” Ryvick said. “Some people are a little hesitant because it’s new technology. It takes a little while.”
Barbara Terry, a shopper who was skeptical of the technology, said the carts appeared simple to use after a demonstration.
Future upgrades planned
Ryvick said the company plans to launch a Geissler’s app that will allow customers to create shopping lists and click for coupons. Those lists will then translate into the cart.
He said future versions of the carts will allow shoppers to load their shopping lists and follow the carts around the store as they take the most efficient route.
Ryvick said the company will continue to offer traditional shopping carts regardless of technological advances.
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