At Fresh St. Market, our last year has been one of growth, innovation and adoption of new technology. In the past 12 months, we've launched our very first e-commerce site (to rave reviews no less) as well as our latest innovation, refrigerated pick-up lockers, Fresh St. Market Click & Collect, located outside our West Vancouver and Fleetwood, Surrey locations in British Columbia Canada.
Without any doubt the North American grocery business is evolving. Brick and mortar stores are increasingly being challenged by online only grocery delivery companies and non-grocery retailers are adding grocery items to their mix to win market share. The real winner in this evolution is the consumer. At Fresh St. Market, we believe that the advancements and innovations that we've invested in, have real value and worth for our shoppers.
Here's where the idea of grocery pick-up lockers becomes a disruptive, and game-changing opportunity. Consider the 30,000 to 40,000 square foot or more footprint of your average grocery store, and now consider a mobile device, tablet or computer as that store. Forget about the need for the physical store, and instead focus on the final grocery basket, the end goal for the consumer. The real value for the consumer is convenience. Imagine, not struggling to find parking at your grocery store, then getting a buggy and then embarking on strolling aisle after aisle in a robotic zombie like state (steak spice, must find Montreal steak spice!) before fighting the masses at checkout, or worse, attempting to use the self-serve checkout. And before you mention how much you like to pick out your own apples, grapes, or bananas, I'd only ask you to try online grocery shopping. Trust me, you'll get over it! There was a time not very long ago when those launching online businesses selling shoes were mocked and ridiculed. Who's getting the last laugh now?
Sure, our North American grocery shopping habits are going to have to change. I've got news for you, they are changing now and they are changing rapidly. Imagine the Click & Collect model of online shopping and delivery of goods to become more and more prevalent. Distraction? I don't think so. Disruptive? I'd say that adding the value and convenience of having your order professionally shopped, and then zipping by a locker to collect your stress-free basket of grocery items to be an idea who's time has come!
Be sure to check-out our website at https://shop.freshstmarket.com and learn more about our stores by visiting www.freshstmarket.com