Meijer thinks small for omnichannel fulfillment

Meijer is supporting same-day pickup and delivery with microfulfillment technology.

The Midwest discounter is implementing the Dematic microfulfillment solution, which is designed to help retailers address consumer demand for rapid online order fulfillment in a small footprint. Leveraging the Dematic solution, Meijer seeks to optimize the picking of goods in-store or from nearby fulfillment centers for delivery or customer pickup of online orders.  

The software provides seamless integration with inventory management, warehouse and ERP systems so that all stores, distribution centers and corporate offices are networked on the same platform. The Dematic solution is designed to be implemented close to the end consumer and is configured to fit into footprints as small as 10,000 sq. ft., such as in the back of a retail store.

“We're driven to make shopping at Meijer easy and convenient, so micro-fulfilment is another way our company is leaning into the future of retail,” said Sid Handa, director of strategic supply chain initiatives for Meijer. “This micro-fulfillment technology will allow us to maximize space in our stores, help us expand our online shopping options and ultimately keep pace with consumer demand for personalized shopping solutions that puts their shopping preferences first.”

Meijer offers its omnichannel fulfillment service, called Meijer Pickup, which is available at 227 stores in six states. Customers can order online, keep track of their total basket, note any preferences, choose between pickup and delivery, as well as a preferred delivery window. Customers receive a text from their personalized shopper when they begin creating the order, and are contacted when the order is ready to be delivered or picked up. All home delivery and pickup orders are fulfilled by Shipt. There are 80,000 items available through the service, according to the company.