Checkers is taking its checkout technology deeper into South Africa’s premium retail market, with its new Shopping on Eastway store in Midstream Estate set to become the first Checkers outlet in Gauteng to offer Xpress smart trolleys.

The technology, developed by the ShopriteX innovation team, allows shoppers to scan and pack their own groceries as they move through the store, monitor their spending and complete payment without using a conventional checkout.

The new store opened on October 1, 2026, and is aimed at Midstream Estate’s higher-income customer base.

The Xpress Trolleys are expected to be introduced within days, adding another digital layer to a store that also features a dedicated sushi bar, wine section and wellness area.

Shoprite tests a faster checkout

The Xpress Trolley is already being tested elsewhere as Shoprite evaluates how technology can change the in-store shopping experience. The first trial began with Shoprite employees at Checkers Hyper Brackenfell in mid-August.

Ten trolleys are now available at that store, while another 10 have been deployed at Checkers Constantia.

Neil Schreuder, chief strategy and innovation officer at the Shoprite Group, said the pilot is designed to give shoppers greater control over the retail journey.

The trolley has a screen that guides customers through the process. Shoppers scan their Xtra Savings card, place the supplied shopping bags inside the trolley and scan each product before packing it.

Trolley guides shoppers to checkout

A running bill appears on the screen alongside product information and personalized promotions. The system can also direct shoppers to where products are located in the store, reducing the need to search through different sections.

Once finished, shoppers use a dedicated checkout lane and pay directly from the trolley with the bank card linked to their Checkers Sixty60 profile. They receive a printed till slip before leaving through the checkout gate, without stopping at a traditional till.

A concierge will be available to assist shoppers when needed. Schreuder said the technology is intended to create a more frictionless shopping experience while potentially helping Checkers Sixty60 customers complete in-store orders faster and more accurately.

Retail centre adds digital convenience

The smart trolley rollout forms part of Shoprite’s broader strategy of connecting its physical stores with its digital retail services. Residents at Midstream Estate will have access to Checkers Sixty60 deliveries from a store located within the estate, potentially shortening delivery times.

Shopping on Eastway is the third and largest shopping centre in Midstream Estate. Built by Bondev, the developer behind the estate, the centre combines retail, restaurants, healthcare and office space.

The Checkers store operates alongside Woolworths Food and Woolworths Cellar, giving residents access to two major South African grocery retailers.

Midstream adds shopping and services

The centre also includes Freedom of Movement, Pick n Pay Clothing, Uniq Clothing by Checkers, Fine Linen, Plumblink and Pool Warehouse, alongside beauty businesses such as Conditioned Hairdressing, Polished the Experience and Waxit.

Restaurants include Bossa Goodtimes, Calisto’s, Doppio Zero, Kauai, Starbucks, Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream and Woolworths Café. A children’s play area features climbing walls, water features and a trampoline.

Healthcare services include general practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, pathologists and other practitioners, with Local Choice Pharmacy Midstream also located within the medical precinct. Practitioner-supervised hydration and wellness services are available.

A seven-storey office block sits next to the centre, adding a workplace component to the development. Shopping on Eastway joins Square@Midstream and Shopping on Ridgeway as part of Midstream Estate’s wider retail network, giving residents more options to shop, dine and access services within the estate.