November 1, 2018
I hate to go to the grocery store. Even when I haven't worked all day, I hate to go. The music is too loud, the store is too cold and they move stuff around so I can't find what I want. I have an endless list of excuses not to go. Hey, shopping when you're tired and hungry makes you spend more money, right? Long ago, I started buying non-perishables, like dog-food, coffee pods, dry soups, etc., on Amazon or SamsClub.com. My husband does the rest of the shopping and picks up the meat or produce we aren't able to find at the local organic food co-op. Ha! I've only been to a grocery store a half-dozen times in ten years.
I guess I'm not the only one who feels this way, because now the grocery stores are catching on and catching up. More and more stores are offering curbside pickup and even home deliveries. Here are the two most common in this area (Buford/Sugar Hill GA.) Check the website of your favorite market. That's where they will list their online and delivery services.
Offers Online Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Shipping & Delivery
Shop for thousands of (non-refrigerated) foods, personal care products, beauty supplies and products for home, including bulk buys. When shopping online, you get access to digital coupons, promotions, everyday savings and fuel points. If you choose the Delivery option, Kroger brings everything straight to your door at a scheduled time, and it's free for orders over $35. You earn Fuel Points, too.
An alternative to Delivery is Pickup (Formerly ClickList®,) also an online ordering service from Kroger. Now you can shop online and pick up your order at the store. Kroger Associates will even bring out your order and load it into your car. You can either reserve a pickup time before adding items to your cart or while you’re viewing your shopping cart. Your time slot is a one-hour window in which you can arrive to pick up your groceries. Friends tell me you should arrive in the middle of your time slot to beat the rush.
You can now order items online from Publix and pick them up from the store with Publix Curbside. According to their website, this service is currently available in select locations. Visit publix.com/curbside to see if Publix Curbside is available in your area.
Publix Delivery is slightly different. Customers order Publix groceries online and Instacart shoppers and drivers receive, fill, and deliver your Publix order. They are also responsible for helping customers with any questions or issues with the service. They also deliver liquor. I don't know if Kroger does - I haven't used this particular service.
No article on online shopping would be complete without a mention of Amazon. You can order everything from sushi to printer ink, and have it delivered immediately, if you are a Prime member. There are a multitude of options, including delivery from Whole Foods, Prime Fresh, Prime Now and Dash. You really need to go online and explore to find out which options are best for you.