Kroger debuts pickup-only store

Kroger is responding to increased customer demand for in-store pickup of orders as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The grocery giant has turned a store in the Mount Carmel neighborhood of Cincinnati into its first-ever pickup-only location. Customers in the Greater Cincinnati area can select the store as their preferred pickup location when placing an order online or via the Kroger app. 

Pickup will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. As the location will no longer offer in-store shopping, associates will be fully focused on fulfilling pickup orders. The store’s pharmacy will remain open and customers can speak directly with health care staff or pick up prescriptions. Additionally, Kroger will continue to offer in-store shopping and pickup and delivery services at its other stores in the region. 

 “We greatly appreciate our customers’ understanding as we work tirelessly to serve the community during this unprecedented time,” said Erin Rolfes, corporate affairs manager, Cincinnati-Dayton division, Kroger. “The pickup-only model is ideal for all customers, especially for senior and higher-risk shoppers. Because of the ongoing increase in grocery products and services at this time, it’s also important for our customers to know they may experience limited inventory options and longer wait times than usual.”
 
Retailers in other verticals have also shifted their stores to a pickup-only model in response to concerns about social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable examples include Best Buy and Starbucks.