In a move to bolster the online presence of independent grocery stores, North American delivery company Instacart and Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) have expanded their partnership.
This collaboration will provide access to e-commerce solutions and same-day delivery for AWG’s 3,500 member locations across 32 states in the US.
More than 800 AWG members have already leveraged Instacart’s services. This expansion streamlines the process for an additional 2,300 retailers to join Instacart's platform.
Instacart and AWG will collaborate to help grocers establish online shopping and delivery services, allowing customers to browse and order groceries for same-day delivery or schedule up to two weeks in advance.
Tech-driven shopping
Beyond delivery, Instacart offers AWG members in-store technology, including Caper Carts.
These AI-powered smart carts use computer vision to automatically identify groceries as customers add them.
This eliminates traditional checkout lines, allowing shoppers to bag items and pay from anywhere in the store.
Additionally, customers can link their loyalty programmes to the carts for personalised promotions and savings.
Officials from both Instacart and AWG see this partnership as a win for independent grocers.
Nick Nickitas, general manager, Local Independent Grocery at Instacart, stated the collaboration empowers these stores to compete in the digital age.
"Through this collaboration, AWG's retailers now have access to convenient, cost-effective solutions that allow them to easily bring their stores to their customers' doors,” he remarked.
Shelly Moore, AWG’s CIO, emphasised the value Instacart brings to AWG members.
"That's why we're partnering to streamline access to the technology and service our retail partners need to grow via a proven e-commerce offering," she said.
"By partnering with Instacart, we're making it even easier for our member retailers to bring the convenience of e-commerce to life and ultimately drive business growth."
The companies said this expanded partnership equips independent grocers with the tools they need to compete in the evolving grocery landscape, offering customers the convenience of online shopping and same-day delivery.
