The world’s largest retailer has scored another success: in its constant quest to provide the best service, Walmart has decided to offer Caroline’s Carts to its customers in-store.
So does this mean saying goodbye to the original shopping cart? Not really, except for the metal frame with blue accents, but Walmart customers will be able to do their grocery shopping in this revamped cart.
What is Caroline’s Cart?
This is a shopping cart with an integrated, wide seat. Unlike traditional shopping carts that are adjusted for infants and toddlers, the seat of Caroline’s Cart is specially designed to seat children and adults comfortably. Its low center of gravity allows it to withstand a self-weight of up to 250 pounds. This allows even adults with mobility issues to sit comfortably while shopping.
This handy invention is the work of Drew Ann Long, who realized that her disabled daughter Caroline would soon outgrow the standard shopping cart seats. She founded a company called Technibilt, where she patented the shopping cart and began manufacturing the accessibility tool in 2012.
According to Technibilt, “Caroline’s Cart was created for people with special needs, providing caregivers with a viable option for transporting someone with special needs around the store while shopping, without the impossible task of simultaneously maneuvering a wheelchair and a traditional shopping cart.”
Compared to traditional shopping carts, which can only support a maximum weight of 40 pounds and have height restrictions, Caroline’s cart is much more user-friendly. The traditional handle bar has been replaced with two handles on either side that help both the shopper and the person sitting, making it easier to sit down and stand up. A braking system makes it less likely to slip.
Walmart adapts to suit its customers
Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store operations at Walmart, emphasized that the carts will be an important support for caregivers, people with disabilities and those with temporary injuries, providing a more convenient shopping experience. Walmart will add two Caroline’s Carts to each of its supercenters and at least one to its Neighborhood Markets. This brings the total to 8,000 nationwide, making it Technibit’s largest supply order to date.
Other great things they’ve done for their customer base
Walmart has been accommodating the needs of its customers for the past few years. For example, Walmart also offers grocery delivery services at many locations. For $12.95 per month or $98 per year, customers can join Walmart+ and get free delivery on orders over $35. This membership also includes perks such as fuel discounts and faster delivery options. Home delivery has proven to be a great option for people who can’t drive or are busy caring for their families.
Walmart announced that in November 2023, all stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will implement sensory-friendly hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily. During this time, televisions will show static images, radios will be turned off and in-store lights will be dimmed.
These adjustments were intended to create a calmer environment for shoppers with sensory processing disorders and their families, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience at Walmart. The schedule is already available in many retail stores around the world and has been well received by customers looking for a little less stimulation while grocery shopping.
In what states are these carts located?
Walmart has decided to install Caroline’s Carts in stores across 11 states: Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. This new addition to Walmart stores is expected to be fully completed by early 2025.
However, customers across the country expect Caroline’s Carts to be available in all Walmart locations. According to Technibit statistics, one in five Americans lives with a disability, and six million school-age children have disabilities. Accommodating these populations can only lead to a better shopping experience and store loyalty.
