famila Launches Retrofittable Smart Cart with shopreme and It Media Consult AG

Kiel, February 2025 – famila Nordost, in cooperation with shopreme and IT Media Consult AG, launches the jointly developed Smart Shopping Cart snap cart to expand its self-scanning offer.

In cooperation with shopreme and IT Media Consult AG, famila Nordost expands its self-checkout offering and introduces snap cart, a smart shopping cart solution that sets a new standard for seamless and efficient shopping within a resilient investment framework. The solution combines the convenience of a traditional shopping cart with the advantages of Scan & Go, creating a new user-oriented experience for the shopper in the customer journey.

Unlike complex high-tech shopping carts that require costly maintenance, this concept allows existing shopping carts to be retrofitted cost-effectively with a few simple steps and minimal investment. The snap cart software is part of shopreme’s unified self-checkout platform.

First introduction of snap cart at famila

With the introduction of snap cart, famila Nordost is the first retail chain to use this new generation of retrofittable shopping carts. The idea was developed in cooperation with Bartels-Langness IT to improve the self-scanning shopping experience for customers further. Together, the target image was enriched with further ideas and finally realized in cooperation with shopreme and IT Media Consult AG. famila has thus added another innovative solution to the existing self-scanning option on handheld scanners. A special highlight: electronic displays at the checkout and ESL tags on the shopping carts provide dynamic advertising and information options. Even if no tablet is used, the shopping cart becomes a digital touchpoint offering customers relevant real-time content via ESL tags.

Flexible technology enhances the shopping experience

snap cart is designed for seamless integration into existing shopping carts, ensuring a resource-efficient implementation. Each cart is equipped with a detachable tablet and a custom-designed mounting bracket, enabling famila to deploy the system quickly and flexibly while optimizing its charging infrastructure. The key features include:

• Retail Media
  The tablet delivers customized advertising content during the shopping and charging process, transforming smart carts into revenue-generating interaction points.
  
  
• Intergrated ESL-Tag
  An integrated ESL tag in the mount allows advertising content to be presented without using the tablet and the Scan & Go feature.
  
  
• Wireless Scanning
  A detachable Bluetooth scanner makes it easy to pick up bulky or heavy items.
  
  
• Centralized Management Console
  Both promotional campaigns and hardware can be managed through the shopreme management console. The system provides detailed information on hardware lifecycles and campaign success, as well as insights into self-checkout customer behavior and store efficiency.
  
  
• Camera
  An in-vehicle camera to complement advanced AI technologies for assistance and control.
  
  
• Smartphone Charging Station
  Additions for even better customer satisfaction.

The customer journey

famila customers can easily unlock a device from the newly developed combined charging station using their customer code stored in the famila app. This station efficiently powers both snap cart tablets and handheld scanners, ensuring optimal battery levels at all times. The tablet seamlessly attaches to the magnetic holder on the shopping cart with a single motion, allowing customers to scan and store their selected items effortlessly. Additionally, the holder includes a built-in smartphone charging option for added convenience while shopping.

The larger display area enhances the visibility of current offers and promotions while also improving speed and convenience. Customers no longer need to pack and unpack their items at checkout—once all products are scanned, they can complete their purchase seamlessly at a self-checkout kiosk or a traditional checkout by scanning a QR code with the handheld scanner and selecting their preferred payment method. After checkout, the tablet is effortlessly returned to the charging station, ready for the next use.

Insights from the project team