North American grocery technology company Instacart and grocery retailer the Aldi SOUTH Group have expanded their omnichannel partnership globally.  

The expansion includes the rollout of Connected Stores technologies, Instacart's suite of products that helps retailers offer unified and personalised shopping both online and in-store. 

It comprises In-Store mode, Carrot Tags electronic shelf labels software and pick-up fulfilment technology to power e-commerce orders. 

With In-Store mode, customers can be informed of in-stock products, and can access in-store promotions and discounts via the Instacart app. 

The Carrot Tags system makes product-finding easier for Instacart shoppers through their phones. 

ALDI SOUTH is also piloting Instacart's AI-powered Caper Carts in Austria. The carts streamline the checkout process and offer a more personalised shopping experience. 

Since 2017, ALDI has collaborated with Instacart for same-day delivery in the US.  

ALDI US national buying vice-president Scott Patton said: "By integrating Instacart's Connected Stores technologies nationwide, we are creating a seamless shopping journey for the millions of customers who shop with us every day.  

"Whether shopping online, [using] the mobile app or visiting our stores, customers can manage their weekly grocery shopping through multiple touchpoints both quickly and affordably." 

Instacart has been instrumental in bringing the grocery industry online in the US.  

As part of its international strategy, the company is partnering with retailers such as ALDI SOUTH Group to introduce its Connected Stores offering and Caper Carts to more countries, starting with a test in Austria at ALDI SOUTH Group's Sattledt store. 

In a related development, integrated independent retail pharmacy and healthcare provider Walgreens has announced a new collaboration with Instacart.  

This collaboration will enable online SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/EBT [electronic benefit transition] payment acceptance at 7,500 Walgreens stores nationwide, including 100 Duane Reade locations in New York.  

Customers can now purchase thousands of SNAP-eligible products for same-day delivery via Instacart. 

In June 2024, Instacart and family-owned US chain Schnuck Markets announced the chainwide rollout of the Carrot Tags electronic shelf labels software.