By Shala Watson
Online shopping is nothing new, and we often use it to buy clothes, gadgets and other items. But what about for milk, bread and bananas?
Trying to juggle trips to the grocery store with work, errands, kids’ activities and other tasks can be a challenge.
We all lead busy lives and are pressed for time to shop or cook meals.
But technology is driving big changes in supermarkets across the U.S. Many brick and mortar stores are offering more online options. And curbside pick-up and grocery delivery of fresh produce, dry goods and frozen foods to their customers.
Services like this allow busy families to put time back into the meaningful parts of their lives—like spending time with their kids or spouse.
Through websites or apps on their phones, shoppers can fill their baskets in the comfort of their own home or on the go with a click of a button.
These stores hire personalized shoppers that are highly trained to provide customers the same level of service as they would in the store.
Third-party providers, like Instacart, provide delivery services through popular local stores, including H-E-B.
Amazon, an early adopter of online retail, also offers Amazon Fresh shipping services in locations across the state.
Walmart doesn’t charge extra for online grocery orders picked up at stores, while Kroger offers a free trial but then charges after two deliveries. H-E-B charges a small personal shopper fee with their curbside service.
Online grocery shopping can be an advantage for elderly and disabled shoppers who cannot buy groceries for themselves.
It can also help save you money by lowering the number of impulse purchases on the way to check out. You can also keep track of how much you’re spending and easily modify your list to stay on budget.
Another great part of online grocery shopping—skipping the lines.
What’s your experience been like with online shopping and curbside pickup? Share with us in the comments.
I love Jet.com! The prices lower as you add items and you can also get a discount by checking the option that says it wouldn’t be a free return. (Who needs to return toilet paper anyway?) I’m a ranch wife so I always live at least and hour from a Wal-Mart. Driving that far for groceries isn’t fun and in winter weather, sometimes it’s scary. Plus you can buy things in bulk like cases of rotel or 3 packs of ketchup,
etc… Jet.com is the bees knees!
Our family has been utilizing Curbside at HEB for the past couple of months and it has been a huge timesaver. Not only do we have more time to spend with our kids and work with stock show animals at the barn but it’s also really helpful in sticking to a budget. You can easily see your cart total, go back and decide if you’ve added some items you truly don’t need and adjust accordingly. HEB’s online site also keeps a “previously purchased” section that’s specific to your orders so I don’t have to search for things we purchase on a regular basis. Huge, huge fan! Plus they usually give our toddler cookie samples each time we pick up grocers. Which means she’s a huge fan too.