In recent years, online shopping has increased in popularity. Today one can shop for basically anything they desire online, from household items, to clothing, to gifts, and more! One type of online shopping that has changed dramatically is grocery shopping. According to Coresight's “US Online Grocery Survey 2022”, 54.3% of U.S. adults had purchased groceries online in the past 12 months, well above the 36.9% doing so in the pre-pandemic 2019 year, but down from 59% in the 2021 survey.
There are several reasons why people, including seniors, do online grocery shopping. One major benefit is convenience. You can order groceries from the comfort and safety of your own home instead of going to the store. For some seniors, in-person shopping may not be possible due to transportation concerns. For others with health issues, in store shopping may pose risks of exposure to a variety of infectious illnesses. Additionally, seniors with mobility issues may not be able to easily navigate walking through the store. Whether it be due to transportation issues, or health concerns, or simply a busy schedule, browsing through the selections at home and using online coupons is convenient.
Another benefit of online grocery shopping is savings, which can come in a few ways. For one, with gas prices rising, comparison shopping online is much easier than driving around to different stores. You can find the best deals just by visiting different stores' websites. Also, simply not having to drive to the store and back saves money. Another source of savings is reduced impulse buying. When not browsing in stores, some shoppers state they are less likely to grab items that aren't on their list.
Most major grocery store chains and many individual stores offer online shopping. To get started, you will first need to visit the website of the store (you can use a smartphone or computer) and create an account, though some sites allow you to shop as a guest. Electronic payment methods, such as a credit or debit card, will be needed for the payment. Today, most stores have measures in place to keep their shopping sites secure, giving their customers peace of mind.
When you are ready to put together your order, select the items you desire. Most sites will also show your previous items purchased to select again, making shopping easier. You can search for any item. Comparison pricing for the same item from different brands allows customers to make informed choices that work with their budget. On check out, you designate the date and time you desire your groceries, based on available times. Some stores may require a minimum order amount.
When it comes to receiving your items, you can either do curbside pick up or delivery to your home. With curbside pickup, you, or someone who is helping you, will drive to the store and park in designated spaces. The store staff will then bring the groceries out to the car. With delivery, the groceries will be delivered right to your home. You can usually select the time you desire based on available time slots.
Some stores use their own employees to fulfill your shopping order, others use independent contractors through third party sites such as Instacart. Many stores will allow you to designate appropriate substitutions for items that you selected that aren't in stock. Some stores will have the shopper correspond with you via text message when shopping for your order. They may tell you an item is not in stock and ask if you want to substitute another brand or size.
Once the shopper is finished and your designated time window is approaching, you drive to the store and park in the designated area, let them know you have arrived, and they bring the groceries out to your car. If you have opted for delivery service, the groceries will be delivered to your home at the designated time.
Cost for these services vary. Many stores do not charge a service fee or a pickup fee if you are doing curbside or in-store pickup. Most home delivery services do have a nominal cost, but these costs can be worth it if you're not able to get to the store to pick up your order. Customers receive an order receipt both online and a physical copy.
Whether it be for convenience, money-savings, or other reason, online grocery shopping is another great tool for seniors to stay independent!