After a highly successful launch in Detroit last year, Meijer is expanding its home delivery option across the Midwest.
The Michigan-based retailer has inked a deal with Shipt to offer the convenience in major markets across the six states Meijer operates in.
“The way our customers shop continues to evolve,” said Meijer Chairman Hank Meijer. “We believe the high-touch service that Shipt offers, coupled with what our customers love about shopping at Meijer, creates a new type of shopping experience.”
Customers first have sign up for a Shipt membership-- which can be paid monthly or annually. Members can then digitally shop for groceries, produce and everyday essentials--- and have it delivered to their home in as little as an hour.
Bill Smith, Founder & CEO of Shipt, said the expansion of service at Meijer stores will also help create an estimated 10,000 jobs in six states in 2017. Shipt will build networks of hundreds of personal shoppers and identify opportunities to support community organizations in each Meijer market offering the service. “We are excited to partner with a leader in the retail industry who continues to put the customer first,” Smith said.
Home delivery will start in Grand Rapids at the end of March and expand to other markets in the coming months.
Meijer isn't the only grocer making things more convenient for shoppers.
Walmart plans to double the number of locations where it offers curbside pickup and also started a delivery service earlier this year. Kroger is testing using Uber to deliver its groceries to customers and also offers curbside pickup and home delivery with Shipt in some of its stores. Amazon's Fresh grocery delivery service is offered in 20 cities for $15 a month.
According to the National Grocers Association, a fifth of shoppers bought groceries online last year, up from 16% in 2015.
