Albertsons launches fast digital order fulfillment

Albertsons Cos. is introducing a new service called “Flash” designed to provide online order pickup and delivery in as little as 30 minutes.

The grocery conglomerate is providing Flash as part of its in-house DriveUp & Go curbside pickup offering and online delivery service. Flash is currently available now at more than 2,000 locations, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, and Tom Thumb banner stores.

Customers can place Flash orders via Albertsons website and apps, at the same cost as purchasing an item in-store. Shoppers can select up to 35 items for Flash pickup or delivery. When choosing Flash delivery, the order will be delivered within a 30-to-50-minute window. When selecting Flash pickup, customers can pick up their groceries at their local store in 30 minutes or less.

Members of the company’s FreshPass delivery subscription program will receive complimentary Flash pickup service and a discounted Flash delivery fee of $2 per order. All other customers can utilize Flash pickup for $3.95 per order, or Flash delivery for $11.95 per order.

Albertsons has also been offering 30-minute delivery in partnership with DoorDash since February 2022. The assortment of more than 6,000 items includes key grocery staples such as fresh produce, dairy, eggs, snacks, packaged goods, and frozen foods.

The grocer offers a wide variety of online same-day delivery options with a variety of partners. In addition to a same-day delivery offering via DoorDash, the company teams up with third-party providers including Instacart, Uber, and Anycart.

“Shoppers today want fast pickup and delivery, and Albertsons is meeting this expectation with our new Flash service,” said Stephen Menaquale, senior VP, e-commerce and fulfillment for Albertsons Cos. "Whether you’re missing a key ingredient for tonight’s dinner, or need a healthy snack for your kid’s lunchbox, families can turn to Albertsons to quickly replenish their food and household staples.”

As of June 17, 2023, Albertsons Companies Inc. operated 2,272 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market.