Russian grocery giant Pyaterochka has installed electric pallet carts in over 65% of its stores, covering more than 17,000 locations nationwide. The retailer aims to roll out this equipment across all its outlets by the end of 2026.
- Pilot tests showed a 1.7-minute time savings per pallet operation.
- Workplace safety improved by 15% compared to traditional hydraulic pallet jacks.
- 100% store coverage targeted by the end of 2026.
The initiative began as a pilot program comparing electric pallet carts to conventional hydraulic pallet jacks. Results were clear: each pallet handling operation was 1.7 minutes faster, and workplace injuries dropped by 15%. Because electric carts require no manual effort regardless of load weight-and feature built-in stabilization to prevent product damage-Pyaterochka decided to expand the deployment network-wide.
”The goal is to optimize in-store operations and create safer, more comfortable working conditions. Employees expend far less effort moving goods and can focus more on stocking and customer service. More than 17,000 Pyaterochka stores are already equipped with these carts, and we expect full coverage by the end of 2026,” said Georgy Kononov, director of Operational Efficiency at Pyaterochka.
This rollout is part of a broader push by X5 Retail Group-Pyaterochka’s parent company-to enhance operational efficiency and automate store workflows. Full implementation at all Pyaterochka stores is slated for completion by the end of 2026.
For context, electric pallet carts are becoming common among large retail chains worldwide as they reduce physical strain on workers and speed up logistics. While companies like Walmart and Tesco have invested in similar technology, Pyaterochka’s rapid adoption across thousands of stores illustrates a significant commitment to modernizing Russia’s retail infrastructure.
Going forward, the adoption of electric pallet carts could redefine labor roles inside these stores, shifting focus from manual handling to more customer-facing tasks. How quickly competitors follow suit, and whether this translates into measurable gains in retail productivity across Russia, will be key trends to watch.