I was all for smart trolleys at the supermarket - until they made me feel dumb
But it's the technophobia these digital natives have no time for. When my youngest asks me to read her university assignments I repeatedly paw the screen to scroll down.
'It's not a touchscreen,' she says in exasperation.
I was among the last of my friends to start texting. I still find the back and forth tedious when you can just phone someone. I can't even fathom sexting. I've just mastered the Smart TV, I ignore the touch screen on the car and I haven't used the new washing machine because my husband says I am too impatient to read the operating manual.
So, when a young woman at my local Coles asked if I wanted to trial a new so-called smart trolley at Richmond Traders, the first Coles in Australia to give them a run, I decided to be an early adopter for once. Like self-checkouts, I expect some version of these Instacarts will be commonplace. I prefer not to use self-checkouts but often have little choice as there is a lengthy wait for a real-life person. I've seen elderly neighbours who have missed the online banking bus insist on paying their bills at the post office.
So, with the touch screen trolley in front of me, I start off by scanning my Flybuys card. My shopping will automatically scan as I place it into the trolley, the Coles employee tells me.
I can see a running total on the dashboard, which is just what we all need as we fight a losing battle against shrinkflation and dodgy specials. Like everyone, I am constantly reeling from sticker shock. When did cheese get so expensive?
These smart trolleys won't save people money, but the rolling tally might stop shoppers from being blown away when they get to the checkout. Perhaps it'll help them take note of seasonal produce, choose a better value package size or find a cheaper brand. Sorry cats, we're foregoing the Dine for the Whiskas this week.
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