Onondaga County Wegmans Introduces Smart Cart Technology for Shoppers
DeWitt, NY — June 26, 2025 — Wegmans in DeWitt, Oneondaga County, is pioneering a new shopping experience with the introduction of Smart Cart technology. This innovative program, launched on Friday, equips shopping carts with built-in scanning devices that allow customers to scan and bag items as they shop, streamlining the checkout process.
The DeWitt location is one of four Wegmans stores in New York state selected to participate in the Smart Cart "Test & Learn" pilot program, alongside stores in Perinton and Pittsford (Rochester), as well as the Alberta Drive store in Buffalo. According to Wegmans spokesperson Evelyn Ingraham, two different technology providers are being tested as part of the pilot.
Shoppers using the Smart Carts can scan product barcodes at sensors integrated into the cart’s handle, confirmed by an audible beep and green light, which indicates successful scanning. This allows customers to bag items immediately and simply pay for the total at checkout, minimizing time spent in line. A touch screen on the cart provides instructions during use.
Wegmans describes this technology as being in its early stages but sees promise in offering it as an alternative, convenient way to shop in their stores. The pilot program is designed to gather valuable customer feedback on usability and functionality, which will help the company identify necessary improvements or address any technical shortcomings.
Before opening the Smart Cart pilot to the public, Wegmans allowed employees and select customers in DeWitt to test the system. Now, all shoppers at the store can experience the new carts first-hand and provide input.
This initiative follows Wegmans’ discontinuation of its previous “SCAN” app in 2022, which enabled customers to scan items using their smartphones. The app was phased out due to excessive losses attributed to the program.
Wegmans continues to explore technology-driven solutions aimed at enhancing the shopping experience while maintaining efficient operations.
For more information, customers are encouraged to visit their local DeWitt Wegmans or reach out to the store for details on participating in the Smart Cart test.
Contact: Elizabeth Doran, edoran@syracuse.com, 315-470-3012
Source: syracuse.com
