If you’ve been to your local Woolworths lately and noticed something a little different at the checkout, you’re not alone.
The supermarket giant has quietly rolled out a significant change to its digital checkout options—and it’s got some shoppers scratching their heads, while others are singing its praises.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s changed, why it matters, and what it means for your next grocery run.
The rise (and tweak) of Scan&Go
Remember when self-checkouts first arrived and we all wondered if we’d ever get the hang of them? Fast forward to 2024, and Woolworths has taken things up a notch with its Scan&Go trolleys.
These high-tech trolleys let you scan your groceries as you shop, bag them on the spot, and breeze through a dedicated checkout kiosk at the end. No more unloading and reloading at the register—just scan, pay, and go.
The original Scan&Go system, launched back in 2018, was a mobile app you used on your own phone. It was a nifty idea, but not without its quirks.
Juggling your phone, a shopping basket, and a list (not to mention your reading glasses) could be a bit of a circus act.
Woolworths listened to customer feedback and, in August 2024, introduced Scan&Go trolleys equipped with their own scanning devices.
Simply unlock a device with your Everyday Rewards card, attach it to your trolley, and off you go.
What’s actually changed?
Here’s where things get interesting. Some shoppers recently received emails or saw signs suggesting that Scan&Go was being ‘discontinued’ in certain stores.
Cue the panic on social media: ‘Scan&Go being discontinued in a bunch of stores,’ lamented one Reddit user. ‘It was so damn handy,’ said another.
But don’t worry—the technology isn’t going anywhere. Woolworths has clarified that it’s only the mobile app version of Scan&Go that’s being phased out in favour of the new trolley-based system.
The reason? Many customers found it awkward to use their phones for scanning while shopping, especially if they were already juggling other items.
A Woolworths spokesperson explained: ‘We’ve received feedback from some of our customers that using a mobile device to scan products whilst holding a basket and other items can be challenging.’
‘As a result, we have looked to streamline the process by incorporating the Scan&Go mobile technology into our new Scan&Go trolleys, to provide a hands-free Scan&Go option.’
So, while you might not be able to use your phone to scan and pay in every store, you’ll find more and more Scan&Go trolleys popping up across the country.
In fact, Woolworths plans to roll them out to an additional 25 stores in the coming months.
How does it work?
If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s the lowdown:
- Grab a Scan&Go trolley and unlock the attached device with your Everyday Rewards card.
- Scan each item as you shop and pop it straight into your bag.
- Keep an eye on your running total in real time—handy for sticking to your budget!
- When you’re done, head to the dedicated Scan&Go bay, return the device, pay at the kiosk, and you’re on your way.
No more double-handling your groceries, and no more waiting in long checkout lines. It’s a win for efficiency—and for those of us who like to get in and out as quickly as possible.
What are shoppers saying?
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from those who’ve tried the new trolleys. ‘Such a time-saving approach. No double or triple handling of what I want to buy,’ one shopper raved. Another said, ‘I swear by it.’
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some shoppers, particularly older Australians, have expressed concerns about adapting to yet another new system.
‘We have such a high amount of elderly customers, so it’s a shame, they’re gonna complain about it for sure,’ one Reddit user commented about their local store.
If you’re feeling a bit hesitant, don’t worry—staff are on hand to help, and the system is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. And if you prefer the old-fashioned way, traditional checkouts and self-serve lanes aren’t going anywhere.
Credit: 9NEWS / Instagram
Coles joins the digital trolley race
Not to be outdone, Coles has also jumped on the smart trolley bandwagon. In partnership with Instacart, they’re trialling AI-powered Smart Trolleys at their Richmond Traders store in Melbourne.
These trolleys offer real-time spend tracking, the ability to pack as you shop, and even let you pay on the trolley itself. Early feedback has been positive, with customers loving the convenience and budget control.
What does this mean for you?
For many, the thought of more technology in the supermarket might be a bit daunting. But these changes are all about making shopping easier, faster, and more convenient.
If you’re keen to give it a go, why not ask a staff member for a quick demo next time you’re in store? You might just find it’s a game-changer.
And if you’re a die-hard list-maker who prefers pen and paper, don’t worry—you can still use your trusty shopping list alongside the new system. In fact, some shoppers have found it even easier to keep track of what they need.
Your turn: Have your say!
Have you tried the new Scan&Go trolleys at Woolworths, or the Smart Trolleys at Coles? Do you love the convenience, or do you miss the old ways? Are you excited about these changes, or do you have concerns about technology taking over the shopping experience?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Share your comments below and let’s get the conversation started!
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Sounds fantastic.