Despite some hard-to-forget past failures (aka, Webvan), retailers continue to see online grocery as an important ingredient for catering to today's shoppers. Some are pursuing that goal using home delivery while others have committed to in-store pickup models.
According to reports, Walmart is expanding its test of in-store pickup of groceries at three stores in Arizona, including one in Chandler and two in Mesa.
The chain offers the same option at some of its stores in its home market of Bentonville, AR as well as in Denver. Walmart prices online items the same as those in stores and there is no fee for the service, which requires a minimum order of $30. The chain also offers online ordering in San Jose, CA, but has opted for home delivery in that market.
Customers looking to purchase groceries select a four-hour window to pick up their orders. When orders are ready, the store calls them and tells them where they can go to pick up their items. Once they arrive, customers call a designated number and their order is loaded into their vehicle.
According to a May 2014 RetailWire poll, 68 percent of respondents expect store pickup to experience greater growth than home delivery for online grocery over the next five years.
