Tesco Launches New Trolley Change in UK Supermarkets – What It Means for You

New Plastic Shopping Trolleys Introduced by Major UK Supermarkets

Tesco, one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK, has begun trialing a new type of shopping trolley that is set to change the way customers shop. The new design features a plastic basket mounted on a metal chassis, which is lighter, easier to steer, and quieter compared to traditional metal trolleys. This American-style model is currently being tested at the Sheffield Infirmary Superstore, with plans to expand if successful.

The concept of plastic shopping trolleys is already common in the United States, where major retailers like Target use large red carts that are both durable and convenient. Now, this innovation is making its way to the UK, with Waitrose also experimenting with the new design at its Brent Cross store in London.

Although the rollout of these trolleys across the country is still uncertain, there is an ongoing customer consultation process, according to reports. Hannah Lewis, managing director of Formbar, a major trolley supplier, believes the new model will significantly improve the shopping experience.

She explained, “Trolleys are the first thing you see when entering a supermarket. The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain and fully recyclable. I believe we will see more of them in the future because they are easier to push around and make less noise.”

Lewis also highlighted another benefit: the plastic carts may be less appealing to thieves who often steal metal trolleys for scrap. However, opinions on the new trolleys are mixed. Some shoppers have taken to online forums like Reddit to express their views.

One user commented, “At least these won’t rust when they end up in the local river or canal.” Another added, “They’ll just float away instead.” Others pointed out that the plastic trolleys could be cheaper to replace, saving stores money when they are lost or stolen.

Some users supported the idea, noting that plastic baskets have been used in the US and other countries for years. One said, “I don’t see what’s wrong. They work just fine, and they’re lighter and cheaper.”

However, not everyone is convinced. Some critics argued that the trolleys might not last long, calling the investment a “waste of money.” Others mentioned that the new models appear smaller than standard metal carts, with one user saying they were “half the size.” Another questioned whether the smaller size was a tactic to make it less obvious how much less shoppers can buy for a fixed budget.

This new development comes after Tesco introduced its Scan As You Shop (SAYS) checkouts, which have also sparked mixed reactions. These futuristic pay points allow shoppers to scan items as they shop and pay without going through traditional checkouts. However, some customers found the system unsettling, comparing it to airport security.

A Newcastle man spotted three SAYS checkouts at the Gateshead Tesco, where the trolleys are weighed after shopping to ensure the weight matches the scanned items. While some shoppers appreciated the technology, others felt it was too advanced, with one user joking, “Am I at border control or Tesco?”

The SAYS system has been rolled out in select stores across the UK. Shoppers use a scanning device to track their purchases and can be randomly selected for a “service check” to verify accuracy. However, some raised concerns about the system's ability to handle different item weights and types, such as lightweight items like birthday cards or coat hangers.

Despite the mixed reactions, both Tesco and Waitrose have been approached for further comments on these changes. The future of these innovations remains uncertain, but it seems clear that supermarkets are continuously looking for ways to modernize and streamline the shopping experience.