Publix to offer same-day grocery delivery from all stores by 2020
Having deemed its experiment with grocery delivery a success, Publix Super Markets announced it will offer same-day service through Instacart at all of its 1,100-plus stores throughout the Southeast within four years.
Publix currently offers delivery through Instacart in several major Florida markets, including most of Manatee and Sarasota counties, after unveiling the service in July 2016 in Miami and then expanding to the Tampa Bay area.
By 2020, Publix also will deliver in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee as well as Virginia, where it will open several stores later this year.
The overwhelming response of our customers has proven that Instacart and Publix are a strong and dynamic team,” Publix chief information officer Laurie Douglas said in a news release. “We selected Instacart because we knew their approach and expertise would deliver a high-quality experience for our customers.”
Other services, most notably Shipt, also deliver from Publix, but the Lakeland-based grocery chain said it was collaborating and “strengthening its relationship” with Instacart. Publix will promote the Instacart service throughout its stores as well as on its website.
Publix operates nearly 800 stores in Florida and is facing increased competition, especially locally, from discounters such as Walmart and Aldi, as well as others. Aldi opened its first store in Palmetto in September and will soon take over the former Sonny’s BBQ restaurant location at 5715 14th St. W. in Bradenton.
According to Food Dive, which provides news and analysis from the industry, Instacart owns 50 percent of the third-party delivery market share and plans to be available to 80 percent of U.S. consumers by the end of 2018.
The overwhelming response of our customers has proven that Instacart and Publix are a strong and dynamic team.
Publix chief information officer Laurie Douglas
“We are excited by the opportunity to bring Publix same-day deliveries to more customers across the Southeast,” said Apoorva Mehta, the founder and CEO of Instacart.
Instacart charges $5.99 for its grocery service, and deliveries should arrive in 2 hours or less. One-hour delivery cost $7.99. A one-year membership for $149 will provide unlimited two-hour delivery on orders over $35.
To check to see if Instacart is available in your zip code, go to delivery.publix.com.
Mike Garbett: 941-745-7011; @MGarbett52
This story was originally published June 8, 2017 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Publix to offer same-day grocery delivery from all stores by 2020."