Kowalski’s Markets unveils updated online experience

Twin Cities area grocer Kowalski’s Markets has partnered with e-grocery specialist Mercatus to launch an enhanced online grocery experience.

Toronto-based Mercatus said Tuesday that Kowalski’s now offers expanded shopping list functionality and a curated recipe database. The recipe page also sports a new look and feel, led by a step-by-step instructional format designed to make recipes easier to follow.

The shift to the Mercatus solution also enables Kowalski’s customers to shop the Woodbury, Minn.-based supermarket chain’s full range of the products, including prepared meals and customized selections like deli counter foods in a user-friendly, personalized online experience, Mercatus noted. Customers can choose from curbside pickup or delivery — via the Kowalski’s On The Go, Shipt and DoorDash services — and have the option to pay online with SNAP EBT and EBT Cash benefits.

In transitioning to the Mercatus solution, Kowalski's also launched a new mobile app offering the same functionality as its website.

Kowalski’s launch on the Mercatus platform also includes a new, responsive mobile app that features the same functionality as the grocer’s website and comes in iOS and Android versions.

“As a smaller operator, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer our customers not only a unique product assortment, but also a differentiated experience both in-store and online,” Kris Kowalski-Christiansen, CEO of Kowalski’s Markets, said in a statement. “We know our customers love the convenience of shopping online, and with the Mercatus platform, we can offer a wider range of services and options in the future to make online shopping even more rewarding.”

Related:More independent grocers add EBT SNAP payments to e-commerce offerings

With the e-commerce upgrade, Kowalski’s will leverage Mercatus’ turnkey integration with Shipt for same-day delivery as well as tap Mercatus’ digital advertising capabilities to drive added revenue from its online grocery channels, Mercatus reported.

Overall, Kowalski’s operates 11 stores in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and the chain is known for its engaging in-store experience and wide assortment of fresh and prepared foods and local and ethically sourced specialty grocery products. Mercatus said a linchpin of the grocer’s e-commerce transition was to bring that same brand experience into the online realm, including a fully integrated online ordering and fulfillment capability for web and mobile customers.

“We congratulate Kowalski’s Markets on its successful transition to the Mercatus platform and want to thank them for their partnership,” stated Sylvain Perrier, president and CEO of Mercatus. “We’re honored to be providing the digital commerce technology that will enable Kowalski’s to bring its award-winning grocery retail experience to its online customers.”

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