Is ultra-rapid grocery delivery returning?
Albertsons Cos., Boise, Idaho, has launched Flash grocery service, allowing customers to receive their DriveUp & Go and delivery orders in as little as 30 minutes, according to a news release.
The service is available now at more than 2,000 locations, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME and Tom Thumb banner stores.
“Shoppers today want fast pickup and delivery …” Stephen Menaquale, Albertsons senior vice president of e-commerce and fulfillment, said in a release. “Whether you’re missing a key ingredient for tonight’s dinner or need a healthy snack for your kid’s lunchbox, families can turn to Albertsons to quickly replenish their food and household staples.”
Related podcast: What’s the deal with ultrafast grocery delivery? A Gorillas guy tells us
Flash pickup and delivery is available for customers through its websites and mobile apps that mirror in-store pricing. Members of the company’s FreshPass program, an unlimited grocery-delivery service with member-only perks, will receive complimentary Flash pickup service and a discounted Flash delivery fee of $2 per order. All other customers can use Flash pickup for $3.95 per order, or Flash delivery for $11.95 per order.
Shoppers can select up to 35 items for Flash pickup or delivery. When choosing Flash delivery, the order will be delivered within a 30-to-50-minute window, according to the release. When selecting Flash pickup, customers can pick up their groceries at their local store in 30 minutes or fewer.
As of June 17, Albertsons Cos. operated 2,272 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.
Related: Read the May/June 2022 digital issue of PMG magazine, featuring a cover story on rapid delivery.
