A shiny new addition to Bowman’s Market in Kaysville and the state of Utah is the introduction of “smart carts,” which aim to enhance the shopping experience for customers. 

“We’re being, one of the first innovators and trying to get the momentum off the ground,” said Bowman’s owner, David Cook.

He described the technology as “a really, really functional piece of technology that makes shopping fun and smooth,” adding that it’s easier to use than a smartphone.

The smart cart at Bowman’s, known as the Caper Cart, is manufactured and distributed by Instacart. Although it has been tested in stores on the East Coast, such as Schnucks and Kroger, this marks its first implementation in Utah.

One of the key features of the Caper Cart is its ability to automatically apply coupons for customers without having to sign into an account, ensuring they get the best deals, with a built in touchscreen monitor.

Caper Carts automatically monitor items as they are placed in the basket and are even equipped with a scale for produce.

Instacart estimates that it makes the in-store experience about 18% faster than normal. In a recent study conducted by the company, 83% of participants were receptive to smart cart technology “especially if it helps them save money and adhere to budgets,” said an Instacart spokesperson.

For each store, the carts are completely customizable down to color schemes, logos and other branding, with the ability to be set up in a store in only a day. They automatically update and have stacked charging stations to eliminate swapping out batteries.

“They are amazing,” said local business owner Maddie Larkin. “The fact that they automatically apply any deals or discounts on the items is a huge win.” Larkin, who owns Larklean, a local cleaning product company sold at Bowman’s, is one of many local entrepreneurs whose products the store supports, reinforcing its community-centered mission.

Bowman’s owner, David Cook, said kids love the smart shopping carts because they gamify the shopping experience. Courtesy of David Cook.

Cook says it “gamifies” shopping by beeping and flashing lights when items are scanned and placed in the cart.

It also serves as an additional form of self-checkout, with the only option for payment a credit card. 

There are currently around 80 Caper Carts in addition to the normal carts at the store.

While standard shopping carts cost around $200 each, Cook said he was quoted closer to $3,000 for each smart cart. Instacart said the price per cart can vary per retailer. 

Cook’s decision to get the smart carts was influenced by a customer survey conducted a couple of years ago, which revealed a desire for self-checkout options. Initially, Cook opposed the idea, believing it could compromise customer service, but ultimately he decided to proceed, becoming the last store in the area to install self-checkouts.

“This is not the prototype anymore; these are several versions down the road,” Cook said. “I waited until I felt that most of the bugs had been worked out and they were functioning the way I wanted to see.”

Cook did not decide to implement smart carts lightly. He monitored the prototype for nearly two years before deciding it was time to introduce them to customers. 

“I didn't want to jump in and be a complete guinea pig, but we are the first store in Utah, so in a way, we are a guinea pig,” he said.

Now, with the introduction of smart carts, he feels he is improving customer service by providing another avenue for self-checkout.

Cook characterizes Bowman’s as a “family-oriented” store with a “hometown feel.” He emphasizes the store’s commitment to customer service and its support for local businesses, which helps keep its inventory distinct from that of larger chain stores. 

To him, the introduction of the new carts is just the latest initiative in the store’s long history of customer-focused service, which began back in 1913 when Cook’s great grandfather founded the store, originally named the “Golden Rule Store.” Cook has been around Bowman’s his entire life and has owned it full time for the past nine years.

“This is something that we want to offer to [customers], to help them in their shopping experience and to help bring those extra savings that we’ve seen move more and more digital and less and less on paper,” Cook said.

The Caper Carts were introduced to the store almost two weeks ago, and customer feedback has generally been positive. However, like any new technology, there has been some initial adjustments and minor issues.

Cook believes that the benefits of the smart carts currently outweigh the drawbacks and is working closely with Instacart to address customer feedback, including requests for features like room for a car seat or a place for a child to sit. λ