Cincinnati-based Kroger over the weekend sent a fleet its of refrigerated delivery trucks to the streets of Ybor City in Tampa as part of the city’s annual Pride Parade. The event—which Kroger participated in as a sponsor and was notable as the U.S.’ first live Pride celebration since COVID forced cancellations last year—helped to promote the retailer’s newly available grocery delivery in parts of the city.
The delivery service in Florida will be closely watched in the industry as it represents Kroger’s first virtual market expansion made possible by the opening of a massive new customer fulfillment center in Groveland, Fla., built with technology partner Ocado. The high-tech solution using robotic picking and artificial intelligence brings the brand to a market where Kroger does not have a physical grocery store presence and is part of a companywide plan to double its online sales—and the profitability of them—by 2023.
Kroger-Ocado facilities have opened recently in Monroe, Ohio and in Florida. At least nine other facilities will be built as part of the exclusive agreement between Kroger and U.K.-based Ocado, which was hatched three years ago.
Source: Winsight Grocery Business
Omni Talk is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga founded Omni Talk in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail. 