AlbertsonsIt is installing self-checkout carts at certain locations. This will make it easier for customers to shop in person, and encourage them to return to brick-and–mortar shops.

Veeve is a Seattle start-up that made the carts. It was founded in 2008 by two ex-seniors. AmazonManagers in 2018. Veeve is among several companies creating smart grocery carts that use sensors and cameras to track items.

Amazon launchedInstacart, a grocery delivery service, will have its own product called Dash Carts in 2020 acquiredCaper AI was founded in late 2013 by smart cart maker Caper. Additional grocers: KrogerThey have tested the technology in just a handful stores.

Responding to the needs of consumers demandAs in-store retail sales rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. A reportMastercard SpendingPulse revealed that April saw an increase of 10% in in-store sales compared with a previous year, but an increase in ecommerce transactions by 1.8%. With the aid of their mobile phones, smart carts provide a hybrid solution that allows shoppers to expedite the entire process.

Albertsons first tested Veeve carts in two of its Idaho and California locations back in November. With the aim of having the carts in as many stores as possible, the company plans to expand its partnership. Albertsons owned 2,278 U.S. food and drug stores. as of last December.

Veeve’s challenge is to prove that its carts can be purchased at retailers, unlike other competitors. reportedly costThese are an investment worth making, at between $5,000 and 10,000 each. You also need to persuade shoppers that they are worth the investment. This is a problem Amazon encountered after its Dash Carts were added to Fresh supermarkets. Business Insider reported.

Shariq, Veeve’s CEO, stated that the company has seen strong adoption. Siddiqui stated that the technology could help retailers overcome labor shortages, allowing cashiers to be freed up for other tasks.

Siddiqui said that stores are closing down faster than ever because of staff shortages. Siddiqui spent eight years with Amazon’s Alexa division. “One store we installed is now fully autonomous. That direction is moving with a lot of momentum.”

According to the company, basket size in dollars and units bought is significantly greater than that of self-checkout users. Siddiqui believes Veeve will be able to increase the basket size, “bigger and if possible more valuable than the cash register,” which averages $200.

Siddiqui stated that “Usage is really high” which is something retailers are concerned about. Siddiqui stated, “If customers try it for the first-time, they’ll return.”

WATCH: Amazon launching smart grocery carts that track shoppers’ items