Industry Trends

Curbside Pickup: Emerging Trend

3 min read

Blog Post

Aldi is one of the many grocery chains adapting to changes in shopping patterns and customer experience amidst the COVID-19 crisis. And their customers are quickly embracing their new plan to roll out their Curbside Grocery Pickups. This new initiative will be rolled out at nearly 600 of their stores in the month of July. [i] Shoppers will be able to find a full selection of Aldi exclusives like they would in stores. Updated information on store locations offering curbside pickup can be found online on Aldi’s website. [i]

 

Blog Post
Image Source

“We are always looking for ways to make the Aldi shopping experience even more convenient and accessible for everyone. Whether shopping in-store, or online for delivery or pickup, we’ll continue to be here to safely serve our customers.” [i]

While there is a perception that discount retailers don’t have the means to provide opportunities for customers to shop online. Aldi is breaking that stigma. The process is simple: shoppers fill their online carts with products, select a pickup time and location, and then proceed to check out and pick up their products at designated parking spots. [ii] Big retailers have already adapted this business model of convenience and ease. Walmart, Target, and Publix are some of these retailers. Target specifically has seen an increase in digital sales by more than 100% in March, which later increased to 275% in April. [iii]

Target is now offering certain perishables that were not offered before like eggs, ice cream, and bananas for same day-pickup. Along with clothes, shoes, and household goods. [iv] The chain retailer added 750 fresh and frozen grocery items for in-store and drive-up curbside pickup. They are also expanding by more than 400 stores in the Midwest and more than 1,500 stores “in time for the holidays”. [iv] Target was an early player in the curbside pickup game, but has faced delays with inventory, shipments, etc. just like everyone else due to the virus, however the retailer is working closer towards solving these problems more and more every day.

Blog Post
Image Source

Retailers including Best Buy, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Old Navy have all recently added the option for curbside service. As curbside moves from a perk, retailers are now modeling business plans to view this aspect of selling. There are many hoops to jump through to make curbside delivery a seamless experience for the shopper. However, retailers are determined to find success in this operational path. [v] As the holidays quickly approach, retailers are strategically prepping for a “new normal” type of holiday shopping.

BOPIS (buy online, pickup in store) was growing in popularity pre-COVID but has been accelerated due to the global pandemic. Experts say this is undoubtedly one of the trends that will stick post-virus. [v] This businesses model has proven it’s a win-win for both the consumer and the retailer. The customer comes into no contact with other customers, it’s quick and convenient, safer, and you don’t have to pay for shipping, and for the retailer: it is more cost effective than delivering to home. [v] Experts say that this “perk” has now become a necessity in the consumer’s eye. And that the virus has simply accelerated what was likely already going to happen. [v]

It is crucial to stay knowledgeable on how factors are impacting the industries Rogers Electric works within. As we continue to put efforts towards helping our customers run their business proactively and reactively, we encourage you to stay up to date on the latest industry updates by visiting our latest blog posts. We as a facility service provider are taking steps daily to stay safe and keep work at a productive level and we are excited to overcome any challenges and opportunities that come our way.