AEON CO. (M) BHD. recognised for smart store project at Retail Asia Awards 2026

The company embedded AI navigation, recommendations, and live inventory data into a single trolley for Malaysian shoppers.

AEON CO. (M) BHD. received the Smart Store Project of the Year - Malaysia accolade at the Retail Asia Awards 2026 for its AEON Smart Trolley initiative, which introduced AI-powered functions, integrated store navigation, and barcode-enabled checkout into the retail shopping experience.

The AEON Smart Trolley displayed product details, promotions, and store directions through a high-resolution touch screen. Shoppers could use the screen to search for items, read product information, and view recommendations whilst moving through the store, rather than relying only on shelf labels or separate store assistance.

Recipe suggestions form part of the trolley’s AI functions. Based on scanned products, the system recommends possible meal ideas and also provides route guidance to help customers locate items across aisles with less time spent searching.

Customers use the trolley’s built-in barcode reader to scan items during their shop, then complete payment at self-checkout kiosks. The trolley also links to AEON’s inventory system, giving it access to live stock information and price updates within the connected store environment.

Online engagement followed the rollout of the Smart Trolley across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Xiaohongshu. AEON Retail Malaysia’s Instagram post on the trolley recorded 105,000 views, 2,276 likes, and 2,743 shares. Outside Malaysia, Indonesia-based account @katalogpromosi posted content that recorded 228,000 views, 3,882 likes, and 4,111 shares.

Through the project, AEON CO. (M) BHD. applied AI and connected retail systems to a physical shopping format. The Smart Trolley placed navigation, product recommendations, inventory access, and checkout support in one trolley-based platform for customers using its stores in Malaysia.

The Retail Asia Awards highlights the pinnacle of excellence, innovation, and leadership within the retail industry across the Asia Pacific region. It serves as a benchmark of success, honouring companies and individuals who have made remarkable contributions to shaping the future of retail.

The Retail Asia Awards is presented by Retail Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional products or initiatives in the Retail industry, please contact Marni Marco at [email protected].