Kroger teams with Instacart for fastest delivery yet
The Kroger Co. is partnering with a grocery technology company for its new Express Delivery service.
Customers can shop Express Delivery orders directly from the Kroger website and digital app, receiving the same prices, savings and rewards found in-store. To place an Express Delivery order, shoppers visit the Kroger site or app, fill their online basket, look for the Express Delivery icon at checkout and select a timeslot for their express order. The service is supported by Instacart.
Members of the $99 per year level of the Boost by Kroger Plus loyalty program always get free delivery on Express Delivery orders.
"Whether you need an item or two to get dinner on the table quickly between homework and bedtime, forgot the candles for a birthday cake or your gameday party ran out of chips just before kickoff, Express Delivery has it covered when you need something and you need it fast," said Kenneth Perkins, senior director of e-commerce strategy, planning and operations for Kroger. "Let Kroger give you a little time back in your day without compromising on the value and quality found in our stores."
Kroger adds expedited delivery option
Express Delivery is offered in addition to Kroger’s existing fast delivery service. Introduced in 2018 in partnership with U.K.-based online grocer Ocado Group, Kroger’s fast-delivery offering leverages a “hub and spoke” model relying on a leading-edge automated warehouse concept known as a customer fulfillment center (CFC).
The CFC model combines vertical integration, machine learning, and robotics with affordable and fast-delivery service for fresh food. CFC facilities leverage proprietary technology solutions focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics and automation to create more seamless and efficient fulfillment, picking and delivery capabilities for enhanced digital commerce.
CFCs serve as hubs for the flexible, vertically integrated Kroger Delivery network, which also includes smaller automated facilities and spoke locations.
Once completed, orders are loaded into a temperature-controlled Kroger delivery van, which can store up to 20 orders. Machine learning algorithms dynamically optimize delivery routes, considering factors like road conditions and optimal fuel efficiency. Drivers may travel up to 90 miles with orders from facilities to make deliveries.
Kroger has scaled back its fast delivery service in the past year, closing three of the cross-docking spoke facilities in its fast-delivery “hub and spoke” model in spring 2024.
[READ MORE: Kroger shuttering three ‘spokes’ in fast-delivery network]
In addition, personal shoppers can prepare online orders and deliver to customers in as little as two hours using refrigerated "blue trucks" designed to keep items crisp, fresh and dry.
The grocer also offers in-store pickup in as little as two hours, with store associates handpicking orders and contacting customers if substitutions are needed. Pickup is free on orders of $35 or more.
Based in Cincinnati, Kroger operates nearly 2,800 stores under a variety of banners that include Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Floors 4 Less, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer and others.
