Meijer Opens Online Grocery Store

The supermarket chain has started selling groceries directly to customers.

February 02, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS - On Monday, Meijer announced its online grocery delivery service is ready for customers, the Indianapolis Star reports. The supermarket chain??s online store at MeijerDoorstepGrocer.com sells more than 5,000 nonperishable products delivered via UPS.

"The numbers are already shocking us," said Frank Guglielmi, Meijer spokesman. The service charges a minimum delivery fee of $7.95.

The service is available in all 50 states and even to some international locations. Currently, Meijer packs orders at an Ohio distribution center, shipping to customers via UPS within two to four days.

"To our knowledge, Meijer is the first regional retailer to offer nationwide online sales," said James Dudlicek, senior editor for Progressive Grocer. "Meijer offers yet another option for folks who do most of their shopping online."

Other Internet grocers include Peapod, but that service is not available across the United States. Kroger delivers floral items and prescriptions but not food. Wal-Mart has tested grocery delivery in select areas but not nationwide.

"It??s been tried all over the map, and it??s never done well in Indiana," said Joe Lackey, president of the Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association.

Meijer is banking on things turning out differently for its service. The chain offers a 10 percent discount on orders of $100 or more this week.

Guglielmi said the chain??s unsure if it??s the discount or the service that??s attracting customers. "We are just seeing some real spikes in numbers," he said.

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