From Florida’s sunny coasts to the busy streets of Tel Aviv, grocers worldwide face the same challenge: using technology to win customers. Shoppers increasingly expect more than low prices. They now demand faster checkout, personalized offers, and health information. As Jamie Sabat of Streetsense explains, technology must save time, build trust, and provide transparency.
Yet, innovations alone don’t guarantee loyalty. Some grocers are discovering that flashy tools only succeed when they add real value. Around the world, several retailers are testing bold ideas to stay ahead of consumer expectations.
In Brazil, Carrefour Brasil has become a leader in speed and convenience. The chain offers “express” delivery in just 35 minutes through its partnership with Rappi. Shoppers can chat with personal pickers, request replacements, and even get photos of items. Carrefour also plans to open 15 dark stores inside existing outlets to meet rising demand. In addition, it runs Latin America’s first fully autonomous, 24-hour convenience store, giving customers a frictionless, scan-and-go experience.
China’s 7Fresh, backed by JD.com, is pushing futuristic concepts. Smart carts follow shoppers, while magic mirrors display nutrition facts and origins. Facial recognition speeds checkout, and home delivery is available within 30 minutes. Although the innovations are eye-catching, analysts say high prices and limited repeat traffic may hinder growth. The lesson here is clear: technology must offer a direct benefit, not just novelty.
In Israel, Osher Ad is eliminating checkout lines with Supersmart technology. Customers scan items through an app and pass their cart under a scanner for instant verification. While adoption has been slow, experts believe improvements in image recognition could make such systems more popular in the future. Osher Ad, an investor in Supersmart, has also brought the concept to its U.S. stores.
The Netherlands’ Albert Heijn is racing to cut shopping time. Its AH to Go stores allow customers to complete purchases in 20 seconds using tap-to-go cards or apps. No cashiers or lines are required. The company piloted its first location in 2017 and continues to expand the model nationwide. It also introduced a 150-square-foot mini-store, showcasing its push for faster, automated shopping.
Canada’s Sobeys is catching up in e-commerce. While the country’s low population density has slowed adoption, Sobeys partnered with Ocado to build robotic fulfillment centers. Its new Voilà service will deliver to Toronto and Quebec, challenging Loblaws and Walmart. Analysts believe this could reshape online grocery shopping in Canada.
Innovation doesn’t stop there. In South Korea, Tesco has set up virtual grocery panels in subways, and Bae Min Fresh delivers prepared meals to younger consumers. In Brazil, Lojas Americanas is opening checkout-free Ame Go stores with Zippin technology.
These examples show how grocers are experimenting globally. Some innovations succeed quickly, while others face slower adoption. Still, the trend is unmistakable: customers expect more, and grocers are racing to meet those expectations. As Sabat notes, technology is now central to how retailers connect with their shoppers.
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