ShopRite, the flagship banner of Wakefern Food Corp., has been a cornerstone of the American grocery sector for decades. As part of the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S., ShopRite has consistently stayed ahead of market trends and consumer demands. With more than 270 stores spread across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond, ShopRite has solidified its place in the grocery industry by blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. In recent years, the company has launched several initiatives to enhance the shopping experience, improve operational efficiency, and cement its reputation as a leader in the space.

Wakefern Food Corp., which includes nearly 50 member families, plays a pivotal role in the success of ShopRite. Founded in 1946, Wakefern has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, with hundreds of supermarkets operating under banners like ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, and others. This cooperative model allows independent grocery store owners to leverage the size, scale, and technological innovations of the collective to remain competitive in the dynamic retail landscape.

One of the most exciting developments at ShopRite is its deployment of AI-powered Caper Carts. These smart shopping carts are designed to transform the in-store shopping experience, offering customers a more interactive and efficient journey through the aisles. Equipped with sensors, computer vision technology, and built-in scales, the Caper Carts enable customers to scan and bag items directly in the cart, track their spending in real-time, and receive personalized deals through ShopRite’s Price Plus loyalty program.

By 2024, ShopRite had rolled out Caper Carts in more than 11 stores across the Northeast, with plans for further expansion in other locations. As Charlie McWeeney, VP of Technology, Digital, and Retail at Wakefern, remarked, "Shoppers are excited about the technology and embracing it in the stores that are using the Caper Carts. It’s another tool our Wakefern members can offer their customers who are looking for smart, convenient ways to shop and check out." This initiative is just one example of how ShopRite is using technology to enhance customer convenience and stay ahead of competitors in the grocery space.

We are always looking for opportunities to be at the forefront of innovation in digital commerce.

As e-commerce continues to grow, ShopRite has taken significant steps to enhance its curbside pickup and delivery services. In February 2024, ShopRite became the first grocery retailer in the U.S. to implement Phononic’s Active Cooling Solutions (ACS) Totes. These sustainable, solid-state cooling totes allow for efficient storage, staging, and delivery of online grocery orders. Phononic’s technology has reduced the need for large staging areas by up to 70%, freeing up valuable space in stores without impacting order volume.

This innovative solution ensures that groceries remain fresh during the order-picking and delivery process, even as demand surges during peak hours. ShopRite’s deployment of Phononic’s tri-temp tote system is designed to meet the increasing demand for online orders while keeping operational efficiency top-of-mind. "We are always looking for opportunities to be at the forefront of innovation in digital commerce and we are excited to be the first grocer in the nation with this technology," said Steve Savas, President of Shop-Rite Supermarkets, Inc.

Recognizing the importance of frictionless online shopping, Wakefern and ShopRite launched Paze, a streamlined online checkout solution, in mid-2024. Paze simplifies the payment process for online shoppers, allowing them to consolidate their debit and credit cards in a digital wallet without needing to download a third-party app. This tokenized solution enhances security by preventing the sharing of card numbers with merchants, while also reducing cart abandonment and ensuring smooth transactions.

At the same time, ShopRite is expanding its reach in the rapidly growing retail media sector. In partnership with Inmar Intelligence, Wakefern introduced the Wakefern Media Exchange—an omnichannel retail media network that provides advertisers with a platform to reach customers through in-store and online channels. The platform offers self-service ad management capabilities, empowering consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands to run highly targeted campaigns and access real-time analytics. This retail media network enables brands to showcase products and connect with shoppers at key moments in their shopping journey, creating a more personalized and engaging shopping experience.

ShopRite has also made significant strides in improving transparency and control over its delivery services. In late 2023, the company partnered with Delivery Solutions to offer real-time tracking for grocery delivery orders. Customers can now receive live location updates and notifications, giving them full visibility over their orders from the moment they are out for delivery until they arrive at their door.

This live tracking feature aligns with consumer expectations for greater control and transparency over online purchases, particularly in the grocery space where perishables and timing are crucial. "Our customers rely on us to provide them with the highest level of service and convenience, and our live tracking page is another example of how we are fulfilling that commitment," said Elizabeth Goodbread, Director of Digital Commerce and Analytics at Wakefern.

ShopRite has long been committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. From reducing food waste to implementing energy-efficient store designs, the company consistently integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations. Its partnership with Phononic to launch HFC-free Active Cooling Totes is a prime example of how ShopRite is leading the way in green technology. These totes operate without traditional refrigerants, making them more sustainable and cost-effective, while still maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive items during transit.

ShopRite’s integration of advanced technology—from AI-powered shopping carts and cooling systems to live tracking and innovative media platforms—demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing both customer experience and operational efficiency. As part of Wakefern Food Corp., ShopRite continues to blend tradition with innovation, staying ahead of industry trends while maintaining its strong community ties. With an eye on the future, ShopRite is set to remain a leader in the grocery sector, delivering value, convenience, and a seamless shopping experience to millions of customers.