A.I. Shopping Carts Are Coming To A Store Near You

We have all been inundated with everything A.I. In just the past year alone it has become the most talked about invention for the future. It had Hollywood actors and script writers in fear of their jobs so much that they went on a massive strike last year to scale back how much A.I. can be used in movie and television production.

We know a little about the potential it can carry with everything from medicine to song writing, but did you even think about an A.I. shopping cart?

Just when you thought going to the grocery store was getting more and more complicated with long self check out lines and bringing your own bags, unless you want to pay for the ones the store provides. Now here comes the A.I. Shopping cart.

Instacart has been testing A.I. shopping carts that might change the way we shop.  They do a lot more than just hold groceries.

There's a touchscreen to keep track of your shopping list . . . a scale to weigh vegetables . . . and a scanner that automatically tracks what you're buying and adds it all up.

Once you're done, you don't need to scan everything at the register.  It just tells the cashier your total, or you can pay on the cart itself.

It's not a brand-new idea.  A company called Caper A.I. launched the carts in 2019.  Then Kroger stores started testing them in 2021, and Instacart bought the company for $350 MILLION the same year.

More major retailers recently started rolling them out, including Shoprite and Schnucks.  So they might be something more and more of us start seeing at supermarkets soon.

A reporter in New York tried one the other day and liked it, but did say they're a little bulkier and harder to maneuver than normal carts.  (NY Post)

After watching the video my takeaway is that A.I. will be changing everything in the near future and in most ways for the better. So, if I can do my grocery shopping with a really smart cart that will save me time in the check out line, then let's do it.

Did you know that there are seven Trader Joe's locations that sell alcohol in Massachusetts? There are twenty-one Trader Joe's grocery stores across the Commonwealth. But only seven of those grocery stores give you the option to pick up a bottle of wine or a six-pack. And those seven are the locations that we are going to focus on today.

I used to own a cottage in West Yarmouth and my husband loves the Trader Joe's Cold Brew that they sell there. So, I went to stock up for our cottage while we were on vacation last August. I got the essentials like butter, eggs, milk and pasta. When I finally got to the other end of the store I noticed some ice-cold IPA's in the display cooler. As I turned to my right, there was an entire row of alcohol. I was shocked to see beer and wine that filled each side of the aisle. There was even a "French Reds" section, how fancy!

I had never seen such a thing before in a Trader Joe's in Massachusetts! The two Trader Joe's that I shop at in Hingham and Hanover don't have wine, liquor or beer. I was flabbergasted! (Don't you love that word?) So, I approached an employee and asked her if the Hyannis store was the only location that sold wine and beer. She informed me that there are seven locations in MA where you can buy it.

I had to do my own research on this because I was so fascinated. Where did I begin? I went to TraderJoes.com and started my initial search and I went through each and every location in Massachusetts to find the stores that sold alcohol. It was kind of a tedious process, but don't worry, I did the research so you don't have to!

You'll find below all 7 locations and the various reasons why they make great locations to sell booze. Let me say that I wish that all Trader Joe's sold alcohol.

 350 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035

The Foxboro Trader Joe's is a perfect stop to pick up both your grocery essentials and a bottle of wine for dinner. If you're preparing for a Patriots game day, it's a convenient location to grab some craft beers and snacks for tailgating. This Trader Joe's is just steps away from the gate entrance to Gillette Stadium. If you need to stock up on booze, or you forgot a bottle of Rose, just walk right over!

211 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138

It's located in the heart of one of the most academic cities in the world. The Cambridge Trader Joe's caters to both students and families. It's close to Harvard and MIT, so, it's not surprising that this location has an eclectic mix of international alcohol selections to match the diverse community.

655 MA-132 132 Unit 4-A, Hyannis, MA 02601

This one is a stone's throw away from Cape Cod's beautiful beaches. The Hyannis Trader Joe's is a haven for both locals and tourists. Whether you're gearing up for a beach picnic or a cozy evening indoors, this location has your drink needs covered.

145 Middlesex Ave, Somerville, MA 02145

The Somerville location perfectly captures the essence of this unique community. Here, you can find a range of affordable wines and craft beers to accompany any meal. And it has an artsy vibe since the very trendy Assembly Row is nearby.

1317 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446

It's close to Boston! The Brookline Trader Joe's is surrounded by a mix of students, professionals, and families. With Coolidge Corner nearby, this location is perfect for those looking to grab a bottle and enjoy a movie night at home.

358 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906

With Route 1's numerous shopping and dining options, this location is an ideal stop for those looking to make their weekend dinner a tad more special with a drink pairing.

659 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01701

This one serves as a shopping hub for many in the Metro West area. The Framingham Trader Joe's boasts an extensive alcohol selection that appeals to the diverse clientele. From local brews to international wines, there's something for every palate here.