The outbreak of coronavirus is pushing Americans to buy their groceries online, a development that could have a lasting effect on the supermarket industry.
While shopping for books and electronics online and ordering dinner through delivery apps have become staples of American life, most customers still prefer to purchase their meat and vegetables at the store. Last year, just 4% of grocery sales in the United States came online, according to Nielsen.
However, with shoppers stuck in their homes in the wake of the virus, online grocery shopping is exploding. Downloads of Instacart, Walmart’s grocery app and Shipt increased 218%, 160%, and 124% respectively last Sunday compared with a year prior.
“We are seeing a larger percentage of customers over the age of 60 that are coming online,” said JJ Fleeman, chief e-commerce officer for Ahold Delhaize in the United States, which owns brands like Stop & Shop, Food Lion and the online delivery service Peapod. “We’re seeing a lot of new customers coming into the channel.”
I – Word Understanding
Outbreak – a sudden increase in number (of a disease)
Staples – widely and commonly used
Channel – a way, course, or direction of thought or action
II – Have Your Say
1. In the Philippines it is still common to buy fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, fish and meat at the wet market (cheaper and more choices) and/or the supermarket. Where do you usually buy yours?
2. As online shopping is widely patronized and is considered highly efficient in Japan, how is the delivery system of fresh products? What products and who benefit the most from such service?
3. The unexpected appearance of Covid-19 has brought a lot of damage and sadness all over the globe. But looking on the bright side, this also brings a lot of lessons to be learned which could lead to some innovations. Share your thoughts on the following:
a. Grocery industry
b. Restaurants / food industry
c. Telework or work from home
d. Education system / Online learning
e. Medical Technology – online consultation, robotics, vaccines, medicine, etc
f. Social distancing
