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devices(設備 ) are able to create value and get you around the store quicker,” said Michael Alexander, manager of Springboard Retail Networks Inc. which makes a smart cart puter called the Concierge(看門人 ,門房 ). Canadian stores will test the Concierge in July. A similar device, IBM’s “shopping buddy(同伴 ,伙伴 ),” has recently been testmarketed at Stop amp。 Shop stores in Massachusetts. Neither device tells you how many fat grams or calories are in your cart, but they will flash you with items on sale. The idea is to make it easier for people to buy, not to have second thoughts that maybe you should put something back on the shelf. “The whole model is driven by advertisers’ need to get in front of shoppers,” said Alexander. “They’re not watching 30second TV ads any more.” People can use a home puter to make their shopping lists. Once at the store, a shopper can use a preferred customer card to start a system that will anize the trip around the store. If you’re looking for toothpicks, you type in the word or pick it from a list, and a map will appear on the screen showing where you are and where you can find them. The devices also keep a record of what you buy. When you’re finished, the device figures out your bill. Then you go to the checker or place your card into a selfcheckout stand and pay. The new puterized shopping assistants don’t e cheap. The Buddy devices will cost the average store about$160,000, and the Concierge will cost stores about $500 for each device. 4. What does the underlined word “ they ” refer to? A. Supermarkets B. Shop assistants C. Shopping carts D. Shop managers