Internet Grocery Shopping Slowly Gaining Ground

bakreule writes "Online grocery shopping, once the laughing stock of the internet, has quietly started gaining ground. It seemed that the idea had been killed shortly after the bust as being just another bomb. The article has some good interviews and details to show how this industry is developing and whether or not this surprising growth can continue. I'm interested in seeing how grocery product advertising will be affected in this highly competitive industry."

Comments

Yeah, I'll pick you some NICE tomatoes ;-)

[Scumbag Tracker]

I always wondered how these places stay in business. Do you really think the vendor's actually put a lot of thought into finding the perfect tomatoes, freshest eggs and milk, and softest loaves of bread?

Or do they sell whatever the oldest crap they can get away with selling?

Personally, unless I'm buying books or CD's, I'll stick to real-life visits to the local grocery store. ;-)

Re:Yeah, I'll pick you some NICE tomatoes ;-)

[sckeener]

Selling you the oldest crap they can get away with selling doesn't work so well for customer retention.

that's pretty much straight out of the article (so RTFA)

When I was using online groceries, they used restaurant quality produce. After restaurants get their pick, they go to groceries, so picking produce at the local grocery is picking the restaurant rejects!

If you want fresh groceries that you pick, you are going to have to go to a road side produce mart.

Re:Yeah, I'll pick you some NICE tomatoes ;-)

[woodhouse]

Online grocery shopping is already well-established in the UK. I've actually been using Tesco online for groceries for the past 3 years or so, and in my experience, yes, they do pick out good quality stuff. My only complaint is that they do occasionally screw up and deliver the wrong thing, but they've always given a full refund when that has happened. They're very keen for people to use their service, so they put a lot of effort into these issues.

Tesco charge 5 for deliveries (~$8), which works out pretty well IMO if you're doing a big shop. My only gripe is they don't put the stuff away for you (You need a maid/wife for that, and I hear they're expensive)

FreshDirect

[turnstyle]

Some people, when looking for a new apartment here in NYC will ask: "does FreshDirect deliver here".

Interesting

[RazzleFrog]

I live outside of a major city but too far to get this right now but even when I lived in the city my biggest problem with the idea was stuff like produce. I love cooking and I am very picky about my fruit and veggies and cuts of meat. According to the article, however, this seems to also be a big concern of the companies. They even claim that they would do a better job. I would have to see that.

I actually enjoy grocery shopping sometimes (ok call me a freak) but I would to pull up a recipe and have the ingredients delivered.

Overlooked demographic

[Anonymous Coward]

I think most people who are surprised that these companies can stay in business and who don't see the appeal of the service are overlooking those people (a lot of students) who don't have cars. I used Grocery Gateway often as a student because it meant I could buy more food than I would be able to stuff in my backpack to carry home.

"In America"

[Vanders]

I think you mean "In America, Internet Grocery Shopping.." because certainly here in the U.K, it's pretty big business. My wife and I have been using Tescos once a week for two and a half years with no problems. Tesco and several other large stores who provide online-ordering and delivery are also turning a tidy profit in addition to their regular brick & mortar stores.

Schwans

[SpiceWare]

Schwans delivers frozen foods. I've been using them ever since GroceryWorks went under and have been very pleased with their product quality.

One thing I really like is my food arrives frozen. The nearest grocery store to where I live is 10-15 minutes away and frozen foods tend to defrost a bit by the time I get home due to the hot Texas sun. Melted/refrozen ice cream from the grocery store isn't very good.

I love it.

[Dman33]

I use FreshDirect in New York and it rocks. The produce is generally better than if I picked it out at the store. Things are fresher, and I can get a better selection of brands. Oh, and including delivery charge, ($3) it ranges 8 - 10% less than the ghetto-style grocery store at my corner! No lines, no cramped aisles, no moody checkout clerks, no overcharging...

The delivery times are really good and it is next-day service. I will never go back to regular shopping again. This is like when I got my Tivo; completely revolutionizes everyday tasks.

For the elderly

[MonkeyDluffy]

It's really tough for many elderly people to go grocery shopping - some are too old to drive a car safely, many grocery stores don't have powered carts so you have to walk the store, and the bags are heavy. Unfortunately, there are no online grocers where my parents live (both are in their mid 80s, and have the above problems). I was worried that the concept was going to die when Peapod and (I think it was called) Homerun ran into problems. But it sounds like it's catching on.

-MDL

Re:Online food

[jskiff]

Ironically, I ate much healthier when HomeGrocer.com was still in business. Since I rarely had time to go to a grocery store, I used to always eat fast food or quick instant/boxed meals. When I was getting groceries delivered, I found myself eating more fruits and vegatables, since their quality was always pretty good.

I for one would really be pleased if grocery delivery took off again.