Aldi to pilot delivery with Instacart

Aldi on Monday said it would begin offering shoppers the option of online ordering and delivery through Instacart, marking the first time the fast-growing discounter is offering online sales in the U.S.

Batavia, Ill.-based Aldi said the service would be available later this month in Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles, with “potential for future expansion.”

By offering its shoppers an online option, Aldi erases a potential disadvantage between itself and conventional competitors that also offer online shopping in those cities, including many through Instacart.

“Our partnership with Instacart is another example of Aldi expanding our commitment to customer convenience and value,” Jason Hart, CEO, said in a statement. “We know customers are looking for new ways to save time and money. Instacart provides easy access to our low prices at the click of a button.”

San Francisco-based Instacart provides technology, shoppers and delivery personnel to facilitate online ordering and delivery, typically in exchange for a portion of sales. Instacart also makes money from shopper membership fees and per-order delivery fees.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Aldi and Instacart said they would offer customers $20 off their first Instacart order with code ALDIDELIVERY trough Sept. 30.