Aldi Süd is intensifying its collaboration with quick service provider Instacart and implementing its Connected Stores technology in all its US stores. The software suite will help the discounter create a seamless and personalised shopping experience both online and in-store.
Aldi South has been working with Instacart in the USA since 2017 to deliver orders from online customers. Shoppers in North America can use the Instacart app to order groceries online from a participating store near them. The service provider picks them on site and delivers them on the same day. With its Connected Stores product suite, the company offers retailers not only solutions for e-commerce and fulfilment, but also applications for the digitalisation of physical stores as well as marketing and data services.
The range also includes smart shopping trolleys. Instacart acquired the digital shopping devices called Caper Carts from start-up Caper AI in October 2021. Aldi Süd is currently testing 15 of these systems in its Austrian country unit Hofer in a store near the Hofer headquarters in Sattledt. The Retail Optimiser reported.
Instacart app makes in-store shopping easier
In the USA, Aldi Süd uses three modules from Instacart’s Connectet Store portfolio in addition to the delivery service. In the so-called in-store mode of the Instacart app, customers can see which products from their shopping list are in stock and sort the list according to the shelf positions of the products. They can also access detailed product information, find out about current promotions and receive discounts. For the retailer, the software offers a 360-degree view of customer behaviour in-store and online.
The software module called Carrot Tags connects the app with electronic shelf labels installed in the store. If customers search for a specific item from the range and selects it on their smartphone, the corresponding price tag flashes as in a pick-to-light application. Aldi US has already implemented this function in more than 100 stores in Illinois and Ohio. Nationwide rollout will follow in the coming months. Aldi Süd uses ESLs from Chinese provider Hanshow internationally.
Click & Collect becomes simpler
Additionally, Aldi Süd is expanding the use of Instacart fulfilment technology. Technology behind the shopping app will also support employees in picking goods for curb side collection at stores. This will enable staff to process and provide Click & Collect orders more easily and efficiently.
