As much as retailers love their stores, most consumers find grocery shopping to be a chore. However, stores are increasingly making it less of a drudgery. An article in the Detroit Free Press highlighted how a few stores in Michigan are making a stop to the grocery store less of a hassle with time-saving options.
They noted Busch's Fresh Food Markets launched MyWay, an online service where customers build shopping lists that can be filtered by several elements, such as gluten-free. MyWay keeps records of the lists and alerts customers when those items are on sale. Online, shoppers can also place shopping orders to have store employees gather for a fee of $6.95.
Meijer is also using the Internet to help shoppers pre-plan trips with its Grocery Express, a service that allows customers to shop online and pick up their orders curbside. Additionally, Meijer Meal Box lets users plan meals, get recipes, generate shopping lists and download coupons. Online at Kroger.com, customers can download coupons directly onto their loyalty cards, which are activated at check out.
The article quotes shoppers who find these offers convenient and money saving. One customer said the online shopping list helps him save money because it gives a running total of the price.
For two years now, the article said Nino Salvaggio stores has used Deli Express, a kiosk where customers can input their orders for fresh sliced deli meat and cheese, which eliminated the need to wait in line at the deli counter. Deli Express machines are touch-screen, and customers can choose to have text messages sent to their phones when orders are ready.