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Instacart releases new technology for independent grocers
The delivery platform's new tech is aimed at smaller grocers and offers a variety of services, from ad sales to smart cart technology.
2 Min Read
New tech aimed at smaller grocers offers a variety of services from ad sales to smart cart technology. / Photo: Shutterstock
Same-day delivery company Instacart on Thursday announced the release of four technologies that aim to offer a variety of new services to independent grocers, including a new service that helps them capture more ad revenue.
“Instacart is building technology to invest in the future of our retail partners, and we believe that local and independent grocers in particular can benefit from easy, affordable solutions that are built just for them,” Nick Nickitas, general manager of local independent grocers at Instacart, said in a press release. “We put your store in the palms of your customers’ hands so you can meet them where and how they want to shop.”
The four new services include:
Carrot Ads, which work with display ads, enable grocers to capture new revenue and provide an opportunity for CPG brands to raise awareness of their products, according to Instacart. “Carrot Ads also offers grocers and brands access to closed-loop measurement and insights—helping them both understand the strategies that drive the most value for their businesses,” Instacart noted in the press release.
FoodStorm, which was upgraded to allow items sold by weight, such as fresh food like deli meats and premade dishes. "With this expansion, grocers can now support order management and offer digital ordering, pickup and delivery of their deli and meat departments through a single, connected platform. This creates incremental sales opportunities and reduces preparation pressure for retailers and delivers a more seamless experience for customers,” according to Instacart.
Caper Cart enables remote management of smart carts and gives grocers the ability to view how many of the carts are being used and which items are being purchased. It also flags irregular usage, so grocers can audit the operation.
Integrated fulfillment for grocers who use Rosie, Instacart’s e-commerce platform. They can now use the service to gather and deliver the orders.
"We're encouraged to see Instacart continue to invest in technologies that enable local and independent grocers to compete," Laura Strange, senior vice president of communications and external affairs at the National Grocers Association, said in the press release. “Independent grocers are vibrant parts of their communities and aim to help customers access quality, variety and value. We applaud Instacart’s efforts in furthering their commitment to independent community grocers.”
The new services are already being used by wholesalers like Associated Food Stores and retailers including New Seasons Market, Niemann Foods, The Fresh Market and Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, according to the press release. Instacart will have its new technologies on display at The NGA Show 2023 in Las Vegas later this month.
The new tech comes about a month after Instacart announced that some grocers have moved to begin fulfilling their own pickup orders.
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