The world’s largest retailer has done it again. Apart from buying online and having it delivered on the same day, Walmart clients with reduced mobility (or an adult person in their care) will be able to shop at their stores more easily. In their ongoing effort to provide top-notch service, Walmart is now offering Caroline’s Carts at their physical locations.
Are the classic shopping carts going away? Not at all. Alongside the familiar metal frames with blue accents, Walmart customers can now use this upgraded cart to make their grocery trips even easier.
What exactly is a Caroline’s Cart?
A Caroline’s Cart is a shopping cart with a built-in, wide seat. Unlike regular carts designed for infants and toddlers, this seat is specifically crafted to accommodate children and adults comfortably. With its low center of gravity, it can support up to 250 pounds, making it suitable for adults with mobility challenges to ride safely while shopping. Its handles design let you drive the cart smoothly, and can be used by the person to sit down or get up with ease. Thanks to its brakes, Caroline’s carts don’t drift away while getting in and out of the seat, making the shopping cart extremely secure por individuals with balance problems.
This innovative cart was created by Drew Ann Long, who noticed her daughter Caroline, who has special needs, would soon outgrow standard cart seats. Determined to find a solution, Long founded the company Technibilt and patented this unique shopping cart. Production of this accessibility tool began in 2012.
As described by Technibilt, “Caroline’s Cart was designed with individuals who have special needs in mind. It offers caregivers a practical way to transport someone with special needs through a store, eliminating the difficult task of managing both a wheelchair and a traditional shopping cart at the same time.”
Walmart Adjusts to Meet Customer Needs
Cedric Clark, Walmart’s executive vice president of store operations, highlighted that these carts provide essential support for caregivers and individuals with disabilities or temporary injuries, making shopping more accessible. Walmart plans to equip each Supercenter with two Caroline’s Carts and every Neighborhood Market with at least one. This initiative will bring a total of 8,000 carts nationwide, marking Technibilt’s largest supply order to date.
Other Customer-Focused Initiatives
For years, Walmart has been making changes to better serve its customers. For instance, many locations now offer grocery delivery services. Customers who subscribe to Walmart+ for $12.95 per month or $98 per year can enjoy free delivery on orders over $35, along with perks like fuel discounts and faster shipping. Home delivery has become a valuable option for those who can’t drive or are busy caring for loved ones.
In November 2023, Walmart introduced sensory-friendly hours at all its U.S. and Puerto Rico stores. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily, TVs show a static image, the radio is turned off, and the store lighting is dimmed, creating a more comfortable environment for shoppers who may be sensitive to noise or bright lights.
These changes are designed to create a more relaxed atmosphere for shoppers with sensory processing disorders and their families, offering a shopping experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable. This initiative, already adopted by many retailers globally, has been warmly welcomed by customers who benefit from reduced stimuli while shopping for groceries.
Where Are These Carts Being Rolled Out?
Walmart is introducing Caroline’s Carts across stores in Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Alabama, New Mexico, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. The rollout is expected to be complete by early 2025.
That being said, customers nationwide are eager to see Caroline’s Carts in every Walmart location. According to Technibilt’s data, one in five Americans has a disability, and six million school-age children live with disabilities. Providing these accommodations will not only enhance the shopping experience but also foster greater customer loyalty.