American shoppers are reacting with confusion and irritation as coin-deposit shopping carts, long common in Europe, spread across US retail chains.

At a Glance

• Some US stores now require a 25-cent deposit to unlock shopping carts
• European-style system reduces theft and labor costs
• Retailers like Aldi cite efficiency and sustainability benefits
• Shoppers frustrated by cashless society’s lack of coins

The European Cart Method Comes to America

For decades, European supermarkets have relied on coin-deposit shopping carts to enforce consumer responsibility. Shoppers insert a pound or euro to unlock a cart and retrieve the deposit only when the cart is returned properly. The method keeps parking lots organized and reduces the need for employees to chase down abandoned carts.

American tourists abroad have often found the system puzzling. Many either forfeit their deposit or struggle to unlock the mechanism. The requirement illustrates a cultural divide: in Europe, customers accept a small barrier to reduce operational waste, while in the United States, services are expected to be included in the shopping experience without added steps or charges.

Watch now: Why American Shoppers Are Confused by Cart Deposits

US Retailers Weigh Efficiency Over Tradition

Retailers in the United States, particularly discount chains such as Aldi, are increasingly adopting the system. By charging a 25-cent deposit, stores cut down on labor costs and improve cart management. Carts are less likely to disappear into surrounding neighborhoods or clutter parking lots, saving chains money in replacement and retrieval.

From a business perspective, the move reflects rising labor costs and efforts to streamline property management. Industry analysts note that the system aligns with broader sustainability initiatives, as fewer carts end up damaged or discarded. However, the deposit amount—just a quarter—suggests stores aim more to nudge behavior than to profit from unreturned carts.

Shoppers Push Back on the Coin Clash

Despite its practical benefits, the cart deposit system has met with resistance from American consumers. Social media posts show shoppers venting frustration at being forced to carry quarters in an era dominated by contactless payments. Critics argue the system feels outdated, punitive, and unnecessarily inconvenient.

Yet early adopters report positive outcomes. Parking lots are more orderly, theft has decreased, and store employees spend less time rounding up carts. Retailers believe that once shoppers adjust, opposition will subside. The European example suggests that when such systems become normalized, consumer behavior adapts quickly.

Analysts predict wider adoption across US discount and mid-market chains, especially as retailers prioritize sustainability and cost control. The cart deposit system may become another small but noticeable shift in how American shoppers navigate the grocery experience.

Sources

10 Sustainability Best Practices for Supermarkets
German Supermarkets Improve Sustainability Must Do More Agency
A Guide to Sustainable Retail Industry 2024
Sustainability Initiatives a Top Priority for Grocery Retailers Wholesalers