If you thought your weekly supermarket trip couldn’t get any stranger, think again. From AI-powered trolleys to store redesigns and new cash payment rules, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for Australia’s biggest retailers. The way we shop — and even pay — is about to look very different.
The Supermarket Checkout Revolution
Supermarkets have been on a mission to modernise, and 2025 proved just how far they’re willing to go. Self-serve checkouts are now everywhere — in fact, Woolworths says they’ve rolled out to 98% of stores nationwide. For many shoppers, it’s faster and more convenient, but for others, it’s become a source of frustration.
Some say the new systems have cost jobs, while others complain they’ve made theft easier. In response, retailers are ramping up security measures. Shoppers have started noticing anti-theft gates, weight-sensitive shelves, and even audio reminders about CCTV. It’s all part of a wider push to protect stock in a time when the cost of living has made shoplifting more common.
Even Bunnings is reportedly exploring the return of facial recognition cameras, a move that’s already sparked privacy debates.
When AI Meets the Shopping Trolley
Coles took a futuristic leap in 2025 with the trial of AI-powered trolleys. These smart carts can scan, weigh, and charge you for groceries as you move through the aisles — no checkout needed. Sensors, cameras, and built-in screens track every item, meaning shoppers can pack as they go.
Woolworths has its own version, rolling out Scan & Go trolleys linked to its Everyday Rewards system. Together, these experiments point to a future where queuing to pay could become a thing of the past.
The Rise of Home Brands
As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, Coles and Woolworths are doubling down on their home-brand products. Coles announced plans to cut the number of items on shelves by 10%, clearing space for cheaper in-house lines. Woolworths has followed suit, giving its private labels more visibility — from basic essentials to premium packaging that looks almost like luxury goods.
Meanwhile, Aldi, long known for its affordable options, has expanded its partnership with DoorDash, offering grocery delivery across more Australian cities after a successful trial in Canberra.
What’s Coming in 2026
The new year will bring even bigger shifts. Kmart has confirmed it will redesign its store layout, moving checkouts back to the front of stores after months of complaints about confusing designs, reports Yahoo News. Shoppers had criticised the brand’s “maze-like” central checkout zones, and now it’s reverting to something simpler.
Then there’s the new cash rule. From January 1, supermarkets and petrol stations will be legally required to accept cash payments for transactions under $500 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. The change follows public pressure for inclusivity as Australia edges toward a cashless economy.
Woolworths also plans to extend its Lower Shelf Price initiative for another six months, locking in discounts on over 130 products — a small win for households feeling the pinch.
The Changing Face of Retail
It’s clear that 2026 won’t be business as usual. Automation, AI, and digital payments are transforming how Australians shop, even as consumers push back against some of the changes. For every shopper who loves the convenience, there’s another who misses the simplicity of a staffed checkout.
Either way, the weekly supermarket run will never be the same again. Whether it’s scanning as you go, tapping your card, or finally being able to pay in cash again — one thing’s for sure: the future of shopping is here, and it’s rolling straight down aisle five.
