Tools for the Tech-Savvy Shopper

"Smart" shopping carts have been around for a while, but until recently, they haven’t managed to gain much traction. Now, some momentum is building, according to proponents of the computer-rigged market baskets that -- with a swipe of a card -- can flash an alert that a customer’s favorite brand of ice cream is on sale, display nutritional values of products, and even point out the aisles where items are located. Wireless touchscreens also can compile shopping lists based on a customer’s own history or provide insight into an individual’s caloric intake.