Super-Pharm Chain Deploys Anti-Theft Carts with Wheel-Locking Technology

Super-Pharm, a major Israeli retail chain, is employing a sophisticated system to prevent the theft and loss of shopping carts. The technology, active for over a year in 13 of its branches, uses a device installed on the cart's wheel that locks it when it crosses a pre-defined boundary around the store. This boundary is determined in cooperation with local authorities.

The system gained recent attention following a viral TikTok video posted by a customer whose cart locked unexpectedly as she attempted to load groceries into her car, apparently parked outside the designated zone. The incident is believed to have occurred at the Netanya branch.

The technology functions by transmitting signals between a component on the cart's wheel and infrastructure installed in the parking area. When a cart goes beyond the permitted perimeter, the mechanism immobilizes the wheel. Moving the cart back within the designated area automatically releases the lock.

This anti-theft measure addresses the significant problem of cart theft and abandonment, which costs retail chains thousands of carts annually, with each cart valued at NIS 500-700. Beyond the direct financial loss, chains can also incur fines for abandoned carts.

Super-Pharm is not alone in using this technology; it is also implemented by other major Israeli supermarket chains, including Shufersal, Yohananof, Mahsanei Ha'Shuk, and Half Free. The system, represented in Israel by GATEKEEPER, is installed in over 100 stores nationwide. In addition to the wheel-locking system, Super-Pharm also continues to utilize the coin-lock mechanism, requiring a NIS 5 coin deposit to release a cart. The technology provider also offers a system to detect attempts to remove unpaid merchandise from the store.