The brown metal shopping carts that have been in service at Wegmans stores for 15 years are starting to make way for something new.
In mid-July, the company began testing redesigned small and regular-size carts at its stores at 3195 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, and 2157 Penfield Road, Penfield.
Manufactured in the United States, “the new carts are lighter, quieter, easier to maneuver, and include added conveniences like phone and cup holders,” Brian Colling, Wegmans equipment category merchant, said in a statement. “They also provide greater flexibility for larger items and family-pack purchases.”
The smaller version is significantly different from its predecessor. Instead of two shallow, tiered baskets in front and a small one beneath the push handle,
it has one deep basket in front and a small basket directly in front of the handle.
During the pilot, Wegmans has gathered customer feedback, “which has already led our supplier to make design updates to the small cart,” Colling said. He didn’t specify what changes are in the works.
A limited number of the redesigned small carts will be available at both stores starting in August, he said, and the company will continue gathering feedback through a shopper survey as it evaluates next steps.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wegmans testing new shopping carts at 2 stores: What's new
