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Hanshow Introduces Smart-Cart Ecosystem at the 2026 CGF Global Summit

During the 2026 Consumer Goods Forum Global Summit, Hanshow, recognized globally for its innovative digital store solutions, hosted an engaging roundtable titled "Smart Cart Revolution in Physical Retail." This event gathered industry leaders from diverse sectors within the retail value chain, focusing on how smart carts can redefine the future of physical retail environments.

Moderated by Philippe Brochard, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Hanshow, the discussion opened with the understanding that smart carts should not merely be seen as standalone devices. Instead, they represent a strategic response to significant discrepancies in the retail industry, balancing operational challenges, customer expectations, and brand demands. Philippe outlined three crucial paradoxes currently shaping physical retail:

1. Digital-savvy shoppers navigating physical stores.
2. The need for trustworthy and contextual advice without aggressive sales pushes.
3. Brands increasingly demanding actionable and quantifiable retail media solutions.

Retailers today face mounting pressure due to loss prevention, staff shortages, and operational complexities. Here, smart carts provide a practical solution, enhancing the connection between physical stores and discerning digital consumers by integrating digital intelligence, contextual advice, and measurable retail media capabilities directly into the shopping experience. This evolution shifts smart carts from an isolated innovation to a transformational platform, spurred by collaborative efforts throughout the retail value chain.

Redesigning In-Store Value Chains with Smart Carts

To bring this vision to life, mere technological advancement is insufficient. There needs to be a seamless integration of reliable hardware, advanced software, real-time personalization, retail media functionalities, and smooth operational workflows in stores. Experts from retail operations, software platforms, and retail media shared insights on how smart carts can transition from conceptual innovations to scalable applications in physical stores.

Michel Itié, Director of Transformation at Infomil (E.Leclerc), addressed the operational aspects of expanding the "Scan & Go" technology and the digitalization of physical retail environments. He emphasized the importance of reliability, readiness of stores, and disciplined execution to ensure that smart carts add real value for both customers and store teams. "Scan & Go has become part of shopping behavior, showing high acceptance in physical stores and leading to increased average basket values," Michel noted. However, he pointed out a significant gap between usage and monetization, suggesting that evolving into a retail media platform could generate additional value for retailers and brands right at the purchase moment.

Florian Burgstaller, CEO of shopreme, discussed the operational system of smart carts as a connector between digital customer expectations and the physical retail landscape. This system allows for enhanced theft prevention, smooth checkout processes, and contextual customer interaction, all without overwhelming shoppers. "The future of physical retail cannot rely on isolated solutions. Retailers need connected ecosystems that allow for scalable innovations and adaptability to ever-changing conditions," he stated.

He also highlighted the collaboration between shopreme, Hanshow, and Lucky Cart, noting that it brings digital precision to physical retail spaces and helps retailers create scalable, measurable experiences right at the point of sale.

Romain Charles, CEO of Lucky Cart, examined the "Proof Paradox" from a brand perspective. He explained how smart carts can now match online retail precision within physical stores, yielding measurable outcomes through readily deployable technology. "The future of retail lies in 'Smart Commerce,' where digital precision enables personalized shopping experiences in-store," he asserted. "A customer-centric strategy means that technology serves the customer—not intrudes. It acts as a true co-pilot, making stores attractive again through intelligent and meaningful experiences that combine the best of both online and physical retail, thus adding value to brands and retailers."

The speakers unanimously concluded that the "Smart Cart Revolution" extends far beyond the carts themselves. The next stage requires a collective effort to reshape the store-level value chain through ecosystem collaboration—something the physical retail space has not experienced before.

Realizing the Vision: Making Intelligent Stores Attractive Again

Hanshow extended the discussion beyond the stage by showcasing their Store Digital Twin at their booth. This display illustrated how real-time analytics can integrate customers, products, operations, and retail media into a cohesive ecosystem. Philippe Brochard expressed, "The smart cart comes equipped with an immediately deployable retail media stack. It bridges the gap between online and offline selling, offering the same level of customer engagement and experience. With the Store Digital Twin, we transition from isolated touchpoints to a dynamic real-time representation of the store ecosystem. This revitalizes the in-store shopping experience, reaffirming its relevance and resilience in an era dominated by 'Digital-First' commerce and agentic selling."

In line with this vision, Hanshow plans to further enhance the power of its ecosystem, empowering retailers to transform their physical stores into adaptable, performance-driven, and experience-oriented environments.