About
Instacart Connected Stores is an enterprise-grade omnichannel platform designed to help grocery retailers bridge the gap between their digital and physical shopping environments. By integrating a suite of hardware and software products, Connected Stores enables grocers to digitize their stores and deliver unified, personalized shopping journeys across every touchpoint. The platform includes several key solutions: Caper Carts (AI-powered smart shopping carts with built-in checkout), Carrot Tags (electronic shelf labels for dynamic pricing and product info), FoodStorm (made-to-order and deli management), Cart Assistant (in-cart product discovery and promotions), In-Store Mode (a connected mobile experience for shoppers), and Store View (real-time inventory and operational insights for staff). Retailers benefit from increased basket sizes through personalized product recommendations, streamlined checkout that reduces friction, and behind-the-scenes operational tools that free up associates for higher-value tasks. The modular architecture allows grocers to adopt solutions incrementally without costly store rebuilds. Instacart Connected Stores is ideal for regional and national grocery chains, independent grocers, and large-format retailers looking to compete with e-commerce by enhancing the in-store experience with digital intelligence, retail media capabilities, and data-driven insights.
Key Features
- Caper Carts (AI Smart Carts): AI-powered shopping carts with built-in item recognition and checkout, letting shoppers skip the traditional checkout line entirely.
- Carrot Tags (Electronic Shelf Labels): Digital shelf tags that display real-time pricing, product information, and promotions, synced with the retailer's digital catalog.
- FoodStorm (Made-to-Order Management): End-to-end management platform for deli, bakery, and made-to-order departments, integrating online and in-store ordering workflows.
- In-Store Mode & Cart Assistant: Mobile and cart-based experiences that guide shoppers through the store with personalized product discovery, promotions, and digital lists.
- Store View (Operational Intelligence): Real-time inventory visibility and operational dashboards that help store associates manage stock, fulfillment, and efficiency.
Use Cases
- A regional grocery chain deploys Caper Carts to reduce checkout wait times and increase basket sizes through in-cart promotions and personalized recommendations.
- A large supermarket uses Carrot Tags to dynamically update thousands of shelf labels in real time, syncing in-store prices with their online catalog and reducing manual labor.
- A grocer integrates FoodStorm to manage online and walk-in orders for their deli and bakery departments from a single platform, eliminating order errors and improving throughput.
- An independent grocer leverages Store View to give associates real-time inventory data, improving shelf availability and reducing out-of-stock incidents for online fulfillment.
- A national retailer uses In-Store Mode and Cart Assistant to deliver personalized digital shopping lists and product discovery to shoppers already browsing their physical aisles.
Pros
- Comprehensive Omnichannel Suite: Combines multiple hardware and software solutions in a single platform, reducing the need to manage disparate vendor relationships.
- Modular and Scalable: Retailers can adopt individual solutions incrementally without expensive full-store overhauls, lowering the barrier to entry.
- AI-Driven Personalization: Leverages Instacart's vast online grocery data to deliver relevant product recommendations and promotions in physical stores.
- Proven Retail Partnerships: Already deployed with major chains including Ahold Delhaize, ShopRite, and Morrisons, demonstrating enterprise-grade reliability.
Cons
- Enterprise-Only Pricing: The platform is tailored for mid-to-large grocery retailers; pricing is not publicly listed and requires direct sales engagement.
- Hardware Dependency: Several key features (Caper Carts, Carrot Tags) require physical hardware installation, adding upfront capital expenditure.
- Instacart Ecosystem Lock-In: Deep integration with Instacart's platform may create dependency on their ecosystem for ongoing updates, data, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of retailers can use Instacart Connected Stores?
Connected Stores is designed for grocery retailers of all sizes—from independent grocers to large national chains. Instacart works with partners like Ahold Delhaize, ShopRite, and Morrisons, as well as independent retailers through programs like Allegiance Retailer Services.
Do retailers need to adopt all Connected Stores solutions at once?
No. The platform is modular, meaning retailers can start with one or two solutions (e.g., Carrot Tags or FoodStorm) and expand over time without requiring a full-store rebuild.
How do Caper Carts work?
Caper Carts are AI-powered smart shopping carts equipped with computer vision and weight sensors that automatically identify items placed in the cart. Shoppers can check out directly from the cart, bypassing traditional checkout lanes.
How does Connected Stores integrate with a retailer's existing digital commerce?
Connected Stores is built on the Instacart Platform and integrates with retailers' existing e-commerce systems, loyalty programs, and inventory management tools to create a unified view of the shopper across online and in-store channels.
How do I get started with Instacart Connected Stores?
Retailers interested in Connected Stores can get in touch via the Instacart retailer platform website. Instacart's team will assess your store's needs and recommend the appropriate combination of solutions.
