Instacart kicks off pilot with Staples in Canada

Instacart is going beyond grocery in expanding its retail partner network in Canada.

The San Francisco-based online delivery specialist, which since its 2012 launch has focused on grocery retailers, is now teaming up with Staples Canada in the home and office supply category. The companies said Thursday that they’ve begun piloting same-day delivery to customers at five Staples stores in the greater Toronto area.

"Instacart is excited to partner with Staples Canada to test a new delivery category that many of our Canadian customers have been asking for," Andrew Nodes, vice president of retail accounts at Instacart, said in a statement. "Whether stocking their pantry or desk, busy people in homes and businesses across North America are looking for more convenient, time-efficient ways to get the groceries and goods they need from the retailers in their neighborhoods that they love."

Under the test, customers of the participating Staples Canada stores can order office supplies and home products and have them delivered in as soon as one hour via the Instacart mobile app or at Instacart.ca. The delivery fee is $3.99 for orders of $35 or more, and shoppers signing up for an Instacart Express membership for $9.99 per month or paying an annual fee of $99 can get unlimited free delivery on all orders over $35.

Related:Instacart looks north of the border

Outside from the Instacart partnership, Staples Canada offers next-day delivery to 85% of the Canadian market along with two-hour click-and-collect service.

"Our customers, whether they're entrepreneurs, parents, students or teachers, have hectic schedules and we want to make it easier for them to get the tools they need to be successful," stated David Boone, CEO of Richmond Hill, Ontario-based Staples Canada. "This partnership with Instacart enhances our e-commerce experience, providing our customers with the added convenience of same-day delivery on top of our already rich delivery options."

Currently, Instacart’s Canadian retail partners include Loblaw Cos. and Walmart Canada. Loblaw announced its partnership with Instacart last November, and Instacart-powered grocery delivery is now available from more than 250 Loblaw Cos. stores under several retail banners from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. In September, Walmart Canada began pilots of Instacart same-day grocery delivery at 12 stores in the Toronto area and five stores in Winnipeg.

In the United States, Instacart also has extended its delivery services outside the grocery category through such retailers as CVS Pharmacy, Petco and Sur La Table.

Related:Walmart Canada teams up with Instacart

Overall, Instacart partners with more than 300 national, regional and local retailers and serves nearly 20,000 grocery stores across more than 5,500 cities in North America. Its delivery service is accessible to over 80% of U.S. households, covering all 50 states, and to more than 60% of Canadian households.