Iselin-based supermarket co-op Allegiance Retail Services LLC is teaming up with Instacart to enhance overall customer experience.

As part of an expanded partnership announced Jan. 27, Allegiance will deploy the on-demand delivery platform’s artificial intelligence-powered shopping carts in select Foodtown stores.

Known as Caper Carts, the technology aims to make grocery shopping faster and more convenient by allowing shoppers to scan, bag and check out right from their cart.

Equipped with scales, sensors, touchscreens and computer vision, the smart cart offers real-time spending updates and assists with store navigation.

After introducing Caper Carts at Red Bank, Mount Vernon and East Stroudsburg, the partners expect to add the option for customers at additional stores this year.

Allegiance isn’t the first co-op in New Jersey to pilot Caper Carts. Over the past few years, Keasbey-headquartered Wakefern has brought the feature to dozens of ShopRite stores.

Let’s get digital

Additionally, Allegiance and Instacart are rolling out new omnichannel capabilities designed to unify digital programs, loyalty offerings and in-store shopping, this week’s press release said.

That includes increasing use of Instacart’s order management system for catering and prepared foods, as well as the platform’s electronic shelf label software. Instacart will also integrate with Allegiance’s loyalty provider, AppCard, to deliver digital promotions, rewards points and coupons across online and in-store shopping.

Allegiance’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Donna Zambo said, “Our expanded partnership with Instacart reflects Allegiance’s commitment to innovation that enhances both the shopper and retailer experience.”

“By aligning e-commerce, loyalty, and in-store innovation, we’re helping independent grocers meet evolving customer expectations while strengthening their competitive position,” Zambo said.

By aligning e-commerce, loyalty, and in-store innovation, we’re helping independent grocers meet evolving customer expectations while strengthening their competitive position.
– Donna Zambo, EVP, CMO, Allegiance Retail Services

Allegiance’s retail network spans more than 125 independent supermarkets across the Northeast under the banners of Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest Market, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Food Basics and Shop ‘n Bag.

Merrick Rosner, Instacart’s head of revenue and solution sales for independent grocery, shared, “Independent grocers play a vital role in their communities, and we’re proud to work alongside Allegiance to equip their members with the tools they need to succeed and grow.”

“Across the U.S., independent retailers using Instacart’s technology are achieving meaningful results – from substantial e-commerce growth to significant increases in profitability through retail media revenue,” Rosner said. “By expanding their partnership with Instacart, Allegiance is giving its members even more ways to grow by meeting customers wherever and however they shop.”