Trolley Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Shopping Carts, Utility Carts, Medical Carts), By Application (Retail, Healthcare, Logistics), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Trolley Market Overview

The Trolley Market size was valued at USD 3.98 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.25 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.81% from 2025 to 2033.

The trolley market is witnessing increasing demand across retail, healthcare, and logistics sectors. In 2024, global trolley production units surpassed 340 million, with retail shopping carts accounting for 48% of the total. Medical trolleys are gaining traction, with over 90 million units deployed in hospitals and clinics.

In the logistics sector, over 60 million utility trolleys were manufactured globally to support warehouse operations. Stainless steel, aluminum, and reinforced plastic dominate the materials used, with over 72% of all trolleys designed for multi-purpose applications. With more than 120 manufacturers across North America and Europe, and over 200 small-scale producers in Asia-Pacific, the industry reflects robust supply-side expansion.

Advanced features such as IoT sensors, RFID tags, and modular customization have driven product innovation. Demand for ergonomic designs increased by 35% compared to 2022 figures. Urbanization, e-commerce expansion, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure are pushing the market forward globally.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing demand for efficient material handling solutions across retail and healthcare sectors.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America leads with over 115 million trolley units sold annually across all categories.

SEGMENT: Shopping carts dominate the market, accounting for 48% of total global trolley sales.

Trolley Market Trends

The trolley market is undergoing notable transformations due to evolving user needs and industrial requirements. In 2024, over 340 million trolleys were distributed worldwide, with 52% demand arising from retail outlets. Smart trolleys equipped with barcode scanners and digital payment integration saw a 47% year-on-year increase in adoption. Medical trolleys with antimicrobial coatings recorded over 90 million units, growing due to rising global healthcare spending. Retail chains are increasingly opting for lightweight, stackable, and collapsible trolley models, driving the demand for polypropylene and lightweight alloy-based units. In 2023, the adoption of trolleys with digital tracking capabilities rose by 28%. In logistics, automated and sensor-based utility carts gained traction, with 41 million units supplied globally. Sustainability is becoming a core trend, with over 39% of trolleys now produced using recycled or biodegradable materials. Manufacturers are integrating ergonomic features like adjustable handles, silent wheels, and modular baskets to improve usability. Regions like Asia-Pacific have reported a 32% surge in locally manufactured, customizable trolley models. Digitization, durability, and environmental considerations are influencing procurement trends. In Europe, demand for multipurpose trolleys increased by 36% in warehouses and distribution centers. The introduction of industry-specific trolleys for pharmaceuticals, aviation, and hospitality also indicates strong specialization trends.

Trolley Market Dynamics

The trolley market is driven by rapid urbanization, increasing demand in retail and healthcare sectors, and expanding logistics operations. For example, over 4 million shopping trolleys were deployed across supermarkets globally in 2024. However, restraints such as high raw material costs and limited trolley lifespan—especially in logistics—pose challenges. Simultaneously, opportunities lie in smart trolley innovations and automated cart systems, while challenges include maintenance costs and integration of new tech in traditional sectors.

DRIVER

Growing demand for efficient retail logistics and customer convenience.

Retail environments such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and department stores collectively ordered over 160 million trolleys globally in 2024. The need for larger volume shopping carts with multiple compartments has risen by 33% since 2022. Enhanced consumer shopping frequency and preference for self-service experiences continue to propel demand. Smart trolleys with tracking systems and cashless checkout capabilities are increasingly preferred, especially in North America and Asia. The retail automation wave has triggered widespread trolley system upgrades.

RESTRAINT

High initial investment in advanced trolleys.

Despite growing demand, the adoption of technologically enhanced trolleys remains limited in developing regions. A smart trolley embedded with sensors, anti-theft alarms, and navigational assistance can cost 2.5 times more than standard versions. As a result, small retailers with narrow margins struggle to justify such investments. In 2023, only 9% of small-format retail stores globally adopted advanced trolley systems. High maintenance and repair costs for electronic systems further hinder penetration.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding demand in the healthcare sector.

With healthcare infrastructure advancing, medical trolleys are becoming indispensable in clinics and hospitals. In 2024, over 90 million medical trolleys were deployed globally. ICU trolleys, anesthesia trolleys, and medication dispensing carts dominate demand. North America and Europe collectively account for 60% of global medical trolley procurement. Hospitals are investing in modular, antimicrobial-coated carts to align with infection control standards. Moreover, emergency response teams and mobile care units are expanding usage for mobility-based care.

CHALLENGE

Raw material price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.

Trolley manufacturing relies heavily on steel, aluminum, and durable plastics. In 2023, steel prices surged by 17%, impacting production costs. Additionally, global supply chain bottlenecks led to extended lead times, with some manufacturers reporting 5–8 weeks delivery delays. Smaller vendors dependent on imports faced a 23% increase in material procurement costs. Ensuring continuity in production and consistent pricing remains challenging for mid-sized and localized manufacturers.

Trolley Market  Segmentation

The trolley market is segmented by type and application, each with distinct usage patterns and demand drivers. The trolley market is segmented by Type and Application. By type, shopping carts led the segment with over 60 million units in use globally, followed by utility carts and medical carts which are widely used in hospitals and warehouses. By application, retail accounted for the highest demand in 2024, followed by healthcare and logistics, each contributing to over 25% of global trolley usage. The segmentation reflects diverse use-cases and customization across sectors.

By Type

• Shopping Carts: Shopping carts remain the most widely used trolley type. In 2024, over 165 million units were sold globally, mainly in supermarkets and hypermarkets. These carts come in wire, plastic, or hybrid formats. Retailers in North America and Europe contributed to 70% of premium shopping cart sales. Additionally, self-checkout-enabled shopping carts with QR scanners increased in popularity by 42%.
• Utility Carts: Utility carts are versatile and used in warehouses, industrial settings, and distribution centers. Over 85 million units were deployed globally in 2024. Industrial regions in Asia-Pacific, such as South Korea and China, were leading adopters. Heavy-duty variants accounted for 58% of the total utility cart market.
• Medical Carts: Medical trolleys are specialized for healthcare facilities. ICU carts, crash carts, anesthesia carts, and mobile EHR stations accounted for 90 million global unit sales in 2024. Europe and North America dominate this segment with 65% market share. Increasing digitization in hospitals has driven up the demand for IT-integrated mobile medical carts.

By Application

• Retail: The retail sector remains the largest application area, using over 165 million trolleys in 2024. Usage is widespread across grocery stores, department outlets, and shopping complexes. Customized branding, RFID tags, and foldable carts are now standard among high-end retailers.
• Healthcare: Healthcare applications accounted for 90 million trolley units in 2024. Hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory service providers use trolleys for patient care, diagnostics, and medication management. The demand for infection-proof and multi-drawer carts has grown significantly.
• Logistics: In logistics, utility and platform trolleys are essential for warehouse and shipping functions. Over 85 million units were deployed across major distribution hubs. Asia-Pacific leads in logistics trolley deployment, driven by increased warehousing and export activities in China and Southeast Asia.

Regional Outlook for the Trolley Market

North America leads the global trolley market with over 35 million units used in retail and healthcare. Europe follows, driven by robust logistics and industrial adoption in Germany, France, and the UK. Asia-Pacific shows rapid expansion, particularly in China and India, with over 18 million units added in 2024 alone. The Middle East & Africa region is emerging steadily, with significant investments in retail infrastructure and hospital trolley systems.

• North America

North America holds a leading position in the trolley market, with over 115 million units utilized across retail, healthcare, and logistics in 2024. The U.S. alone accounted for 87 million units. Rising automation in retail and large-scale healthcare investments have driven demand. Manufacturers in the region focus on smart trolleys and ergonomic enhancements.

• Europe

Europe recorded over 92 million units in 2024. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are adopting eco-friendly and smart trolley solutions. European healthcare facilities prefer modular and antimicrobial trolleys. Advanced logistics hubs in the Netherlands and Belgium increased demand for heavy-duty and automated utility trolleys.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific reported over 102 million units deployed in 2024. China contributed 41 million of these, followed by Japan and India. Rapid urbanization, booming e-commerce, and expanding healthcare facilities are key growth drivers. The region is home to over 200 trolley manufacturers, offering both budget and premium variants.

• Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region recorded usage of 31 million trolley units in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia led retail deployment, while South Africa and Egypt increased usage in healthcare facilities. The region is witnessing a 19% annual rise in demand for utility carts in export warehouses and retail chains.

List of Top Trolley Companies

• Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany)
• Unarco Industries LLC (USA)
• National Cart Co. (USA)
• Advance Carts Inc. (USA)
• Cefla SC (Italy)
• Caddie Hotel Srl (France)
• Kailiou Commercial Equipment Co. Ltd. (China)
• W. Rogers Co. (USA)
• Magline Inc. (USA)
• Van Keulen Interieurbouw BV (Netherlands)

Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA: Delivered over 46 million shopping and utility trolleys globally in 2024, leading innovation in ergonomic and modular cart designs.

Unarco Industries LLC: Accounted for 38 million trolley units across retail and logistics sectors, with a strong footprint in North American supermarkets and warehouses.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in trolley innovation and infrastructure are growing across regions. In 2024, over 400 million USD were invested globally in advanced trolley manufacturing equipment, with 39% directed toward digital and automated cart solutions. North America and Europe led capital spending, supported by public-private partnerships for healthcare mobility equipment. Private equity groups in Asia invested over 120 million USD into trolley component suppliers, especially for medical and logistics carts. Investment in sustainable trolley production increased, with over 60 manufacturing units transitioning to eco-friendly operations by mid-2024. Government incentives for hospital digitization created new opportunities for smart medical cart developers. Retail chains in Europe launched procurement programs worth over 200 million USD to replace legacy shopping carts with smart and foldable versions. Logistics companies across India and Southeast Asia allocated nearly 75 million USD for automated trolley fleets, aiding last-mile operations. Future opportunities lie in AI-enabled trolleys that can navigate autonomously. As of 2024, 12 startups globally were piloting such systems in warehouses. Modular carts adaptable across industries are also gaining investor attention, particularly in Europe and Japan. The expansion of organized retail and diagnostics clinics in emerging markets continues to attract funding in trolley innovation.

New Product Development

Trolley manufacturers have intensified product development, focusing on customization, digitization, and sustainability. In 2023–2024, over 60 new trolley models were launched globally with enhanced ergonomics and AI-enabled mobility features. Shopping cart producers unveiled models with onboard touchscreens, digital coupon scanners, and smart navigation. Over 2 million units with these technologies were piloted in North American hypermarkets. Medical trolley manufacturers introduced antimicrobial-coated drawers and contactless locking mechanisms. In 2024 alone, 11 new types of ICU carts with wireless telemetry integration entered European markets. Utility trolley innovation included models with battery-powered mobility for factory settings, with over 500,000 such units deployed in Asia-Pacific logistics hubs. Lightweight foldable carts using magnesium alloys entered retail in Japan, achieving a 33% reduction in handling fatigue. Sustainable development is a key innovation driver. Over 40% of new product lines in 2024 used recycled aluminum or plant-based polymers. Companies also emphasized modularity, allowing users to attach, detach, or upgrade compartments and wheels. A significant leap was the inclusion of IoT-enabled predictive maintenance systems on logistics trolleys.

Five Recent Developments

• Wanzl GmbH launched a smart shopping cart integrated with digital payment and inventory tracking, tested across 120 retail stores in Europe.
• Unarco Industries partnered with a U.S. logistics firm to supply 1.2 million automated utility trolleys for warehouse deployment.
• Cefla SC introduced a modular medical cart with AI-enabled diagnostics drawers, reaching 50 hospitals across Italy.
• Kailiou Commercial Equipment expanded production with a new facility in Guangdong, China, increasing capacity by 28%.
• National Cart Co. released an eco-friendly retail cart using 80% recycled materials, shipping over 3 million units by Q1 2024.

Report Coverage of Trolley Market

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global trolley market, examining product types, applications, regional dynamics, and competitive landscapes. Covering over 30 countries and spanning five continents, the report tracks data on unit production, distribution channels, innovation trends, and adoption across sectors. The scope includes shopping carts, utility carts, and medical carts. It evaluates performance in retail, healthcare, and logistics environments. Each segment is supported with numerical insights—over 340 million trolleys produced globally in 2024, and adoption rates across industries are quantified. Regional coverage includes detailed assessments of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. It identifies over 60 market-active companies and highlights top manufacturers like Wanzl GmbH and Unarco Industries. Special emphasis is placed on innovation, with analysis of 60+ product launches and 400+ million USD in capital flows. Sustainability trends, smart trolley development, and material procurement insights are thoroughly evaluated. The report covers all key factors shaping procurement, competition, and investment landscapes in the global trolley market.

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