Shopping cart

Shopping Cart

A shopping cart is a critical component in both physical and online retail environments, designed to facilitate the collection and transportation of selected items by customers. In physical stores, shopping carts are typically wheeled devices, while in online stores, they are virtual tools that allow users to accumulate items for purchase.

History

The concept of the shopping cart was first introduced in 1937 by Sylvan Goldman, owner of the Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma City. Goldman invented the first shopping cart as a solution to increase the amount of goods a customer could carry, thereby boosting sales. The original design was a folding chair with wheels and two baskets attached.

Design and Features

Physical Shopping Carts

Physical shopping carts are usually made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. They are designed to be durable and easy to maneuver. Key features include:

• Wheels: Typically four wheels, with the front two often being swivel wheels for easier steering.
• Basket: A large basket for holding items, often with a child seat near the handle.
• Handle: A bar at the back for pushing the cart.
• Nestability: Designed to nest into one another to save space when not in use.

Online Shopping Carts

Online shopping carts are software applications that allow users to select and store items for purchase. Key features include:

• Add to Cart: A button or link that allows users to add items to their cart.
• Cart Summary: Displays the items selected, quantities, and total price.
• Checkout Process: Guides the user through payment and shipping options.
• User Accounts: Often integrated with user accounts to save cart contents for future visits.

Functionality

In Physical Stores

Shopping carts in physical stores serve several functions:

• Convenience: Allow customers to collect multiple items without carrying them by hand.
• Increased Sales: Encourage customers to purchase more items than they might otherwise.
• Child Safety: Many carts include a seat for small children, allowing parents to shop more easily.

In Online Stores

Online shopping carts provide a seamless shopping experience by:

• Storing Items: Allowing users to add and remove items as they browse.
• Calculating Costs: Automatically updating the total cost as items are added or removed.
• Facilitating Checkout: Streamlining the process of entering payment and shipping information.

Challenges and Innovations

Physical Shopping Carts

Challenges include:

• Theft and Vandalism: Shopping carts are often stolen or damaged, leading to increased costs for retailers.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to keep carts in good working order.

Innovations include:

• Smart Carts: Equipped with technology to assist with navigation, item scanning, and checkout.
• Anti-Theft Systems: Wheels that lock if the cart is taken beyond a certain boundary.

Online Shopping Carts

Challenges include:

• Cart Abandonment: A significant issue where users add items to their cart but do not complete the purchase.
• Security: Ensuring the security of user data during the checkout process.

Innovations include:

• Personalization: Using data analytics to suggest items based on user behavior.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensuring carts are easy to use on mobile devices.

Also see

• Retail
• E-commerce
• Point of Sale
• Customer Experience