Veeve Smart Carts Coming to Select Albertsons Stores

Albertsons Cos. and Veeve Inc. announced May 19 that smart carts will soon be available to customers at a few dozen Albertsons stores across the country. The carts are expected to launch at the stores later this year.

Veeve’s tech-enhanced smart carts allow customers to skip the checkout line for a more convenient, contactless shopping experience. The carts are equipped with a touchscreen that provides a running total for in-cart items, as well as a built-in scale for purchasing produce. When customers are done shopping, they can pay for their items on their cart and then exit the store. The carts will also integrate with the Albertsons for U loyalty program.

“Veeve Smart Carts offer a sophisticated, yet simple self-checkout experience for people who value flexibility and time savings,” said Alyse Wuson, senior director of omni experiences for Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos., in a news statement. “Our goal is to enhance the grocery experience no matter how our guests choose to shop, and Veeve’s technology brings the ease and integration of e-commerce right to the grocery cart.”

Shariq Siddiqui, co-founder and CEO of Veeve Inc., added, "We’re thrilled to partner with Albertsons Cos. to deliver a personalized in-store shopping experience. This deployment is an important and inevitable next step in connecting the consumer’s e-commerce activity with a totally new, digitally driven in-store shopping experience.

“Working with Albertsons Cos., we are building a link between multiple consumer channels and the brands they trust, while keeping customer loyalty central to the experience.”

Albertsons operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia, with 24 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets, and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. As of February this year, the company operated 2,276 retail stores, with 1,722 pharmacies, 402 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 20 manufacturing facilities.