In its home state of Texas, H-E-B has proven it can go up against the likes of Kroger, Walmart and others and, not only compete, but succeed. Now, the largest regional grocery store operator in the U.S. is looking to replicate its brick & mortar success online with newly launched e-commerce capabilities that will allow the retailer to deliver shelf-stable foods, general merchandise and health & beauty care items (50,000 total) to all states within the continental U.S. (except for California) as well as American military bases across the globe.
H-E-B plans to promote its Texas roots with popular local brands sold in its stores. The H-E-B site will include a "Totally Texas" page (heb.com/texas) that includes items such as Whataburger Whatafries and Spicy Ketchup, Franklin Barbecue Sauce made in Austin and H-E-B own brands.
"We've been receiving calls for decades from Texans around the country that miss their favorite foods from home like H-E-B Texas Shaped Corn Tortilla Chips and H-E-B Café Ole Taste of Texas Coffees," said Martin Otto, chief merchant and chief financial officer of H-E-B, in a statement. "Now, even if you move outside of Texas, you'll still have a 'neighborhood H-E-B' just a click away."
Source: heb.com/texas
One of the key differentiators for H-E-B at the store level is the consistency of service its customers receive. The grocer is looking to do the same online with prices that match those in its stores and a "no hassle" return policy. Items ordered on heb.com can be returned to any H-E-B store for a full and immediate refund or sent back at no charge using free shipping.