Online grocery store benefits abound—there’s a reason why it has skyrocketed in popularity since the pandemic. To capture a broader audience and increase sales, brick-and-mortar grocery store owners should embrace the world of ecommerce.
The shift to online retail has not just been about survival post-pandemic—it represents a fundamental transformation in how grocery stores operate. Not only does it provide convenience, but it also promotes healthier choices for shoppers.
According to the American Heart Association, online grocery platforms often feature tools that assist customers in choosing more nutritious foods by offering detailed information on healthier alternatives.
The grocery industry is shifting online; your store should too
In the current era, refusing to open online operations for your grocery store is like insisting on traveling on horseback after the invention of cars.
The demand for online grocery delivery continues to grow among consumers. More than 138 million consumers in the United States have embraced the benefits of online grocery (or e-grocery), and that number is increasing steadily.
According to a survey conducted by Drive Research in April 2024, the rate of U.S. consumers who use online grocery services has risen 56% since 2022.
Another report by Emarketer forecasted e-grocery to become the single largest ecommerce category in terms of sales in the U.S. by 2026.
For grocery store owners, the way forward is clear. They must take advantage of online grocery benefits and enter the ecommerce arena.
4+1 key online grocery benefits
Once you have mastered grocery ecommerce, your business will receive a boost, thanks to its many benefits. Let’s look at what these are.
1. Wider reach and larger customer base
Traditional grocery stores are confined to a single physical location. Due to this, their customer base is also limited to those shoppers within a specific geographical radius.
However, since online grocery removes the need for customers to visit in person, the number of people who can shop from your store goes up.
Now, even customers from faraway locations who wouldn’t have visited your store otherwise can contribute to your revenue. Online shopping platforms allow people with mobility challenges or busy schedules to access your services.
Among the key online grocery store benefits is that businesses can serve more customers by remaining open for business 24 hours a day.
Even after the physical store is closed, customers can make purchases online. With more sales for the store and increased shopping opportunities for your customers, it’s a win-win scenario!
2. Improved customer experiences
A majority of consumers state that convenience is their prime motivator for using online grocery stores. Once you compare the experience to physical retail, it’s easy to see the appeal.
Customers can buy groceries without needing to travel to the store and easily find what they’re looking for by searching the store inventory rather than browsing through shelves.
Nowadays, offering order fulfillment for customers’ purchases is expected out of any grocery app. Being able to choose from flexible delivery options in an online grocery store keeps customers happy and increases the chances of them buying from your store in the future.
3. Enhanced marketing opportunities
Customers aren’t the only ones who will enjoy the benefits of online grocery stores. Switching to a grocery ecommerce platform will allow you to access and analyze a wealth of data. With interesting records such as customers’ shopping history and preferences, you can tailor your marketing strategy based on data-driven insights.
All of your store’s data can also be used to create detailed customer profiles and segments. This makes it much simpler to run promotions and personalized ads for specific audiences over social media and email. You can drive up customer engagement after switching to an online grocery store.
4. Greater operational efficiency and cost savings
Online grocery scores another point over physical retail when considering the operating costs of the respective stores. Since online grocery stores don’t have to spend on overheads like rent and utilities, you can spend money on more essential functions, like order fulfillment operations such as picking and delivery.
Tracking store data and performing analytics lets you optimize even these expenses, achieving a greater level of efficiency in your store.
One of the main advantages of online supermarkets is that you get access to a command center for all your store operations, the grocery ecommerce platform. These software solutions allow you to automate tasks like order processing, inventory management, and customer service, allowing you to focus on strategies to grow your store.
One of the key advantages of online grocery store is that ecommerce platforms smoothly integrate with your store's management software to boost productivity and efficiency.
5. Enjoy a competitive advantage
As mentioned earlier, online grocery is a rapidly growing market. Already, large players like Kroger, Walmart, and Amazon have set up grocery ecommerce services, capturing a significant share of the market in the process.
Small and mid-sized grocery stores have to adapt to this changing industry. Setting up your own online grocery store helps establish a foothold in the growing e-grocery market and gain loyal customers in the segment.
In a post-pandemic world, customer expectations have changed. Now, shoppers expect even local businesses to offer multiple retail channels, like physical stores and online stores. Implementing a digital transformation allows your store to meet customers’ evolving expectations.
It’s a way of showing that your store fits their needs and preferences, increasing brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
Why take your grocery store online
The need for grocery businesses to find an ecommerce solution is more pressing than ever. Luckily, platforms like Wave Grocery make it extremely easy to set up an online grocery store.
It’s an all-in-one solution that’s scalable for businesses of every size. With Wave Grocery, you can drive sales, achieve greater efficiency, and grow your store’s footprint in the increasingly important ecommerce segment.
FAQs
Why is online grocery shopping good?
Online grocery shopping is good because it offers unmatched convenience, allows for easy price comparisons, provides flexibility with delivery, and can help customers make healthier food choices. Shoppers can also avoid long lines and crowded stores, saving both time and stress.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping for food?
The advantages include convenience, time-saving, price transparency, and access to a wider range of products. However, disadvantages can include shipping fees, the risk of poor product quality (e.g., fresh produce), and the inability to hand-pick items. Delivery windows can also be inconvenient for some customers.
Is online grocery shopping profitable?
Yes, online grocery shopping has proven profitable for businesses, especially with the growing demand for e-grocery. Many stores save on overhead costs such as rent and utilities and benefit from the ability to serve a wider audience. Additionally, customer loyalty programs and bulk-buying options can further enhance profitability.
Does grocery shopping online save money?
Yes, shopping online can help save money. Customers can use coupons, compare prices, and avoid impulse purchases. Additionally, many stores offer discounts for first-time users, delivery subscriptions, and bulk orders, helping shoppers manage their budgets more effectively.
