Tesco and Waitrose launch new 'trial' that makes major change to trolleys

Daily Record

15-07-2025

The leading supermarkets are trialling the transformation
Two of the UK's biggest supermarket's have introduced a major change to their trolley systems. The trial aims at making the shopping experience "easier" for customers.
Reports have suggested that Tesco and Waitrose are now trialling new American-style plastic shopping trolleys at select stores across the UK.
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These trolleys boast a lighter design and easier manoeuvrability, and they come without the rattling noises synonymous with the old metal versions.
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A Tesco pilot scheme at its Sheffield Infirmary Superstore is experimenting with hybrid trolleys that feature a metallic frame topped with a plastic basket. Over at the Waitrose spot in Brent Cross, all-plastic models are on trial, reports Birmingham Live.
Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley provider Formbar, is convinced both consumers and stores will take to them as they are "easier to push around", while also being "more cost-effective."
"Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable.
"We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds."
Reddit users have been deep in discussion about the Tesco trolley tests, with one user pointing out: "At least these won't rust when they end up in the local river, canal, duck pond, etc."
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Another person joked: "Nope they'll float merrily on by instead."
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Reports from shoppers also suggest that the new trolley model might be smaller, causing another user to speculate: "Are they trying to make it less obvious how much less we can get for a £100. 'I filled a whole trolley.'"
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It comes just as Tesco enticed its customers by announcing it would be giving away Clubcard points for free as part of a huge summer day out deal.
The UK's largest supermarket chain is giving loyalty members the chance to snag 1,000 points for free when they exchange at least £5 of Clubcard vouchers with one of Tesco's Days Out Reward Partners.
The offer means that Clubcard members can accrue an extra £10 worth of points at no additional cost, simply by using their vouchers.
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Shama Wilson, Tesco's Group Membership and Loyalty Director, commented: "We know our customers are always looking for things to do across the summer, especially during school holidays, and so this is always a popular time for Clubcard members to exchange their vouchers for double their value with Reward Partners.
"To make that even more rewarding, and to celebrate 30 years of Clubcard rewards, we are offering an amazing £10 of points back when you spend on days out.
"It means you can exchange your vouchers and get great savings while getting £10 of points in return to go towards your weekly shop or even another great day out later in the year."