How the Instacart Platform Supports Independents

Across the U.S. and Canada, independent grocers face a number of business challenges, including high inflation, increased competition, workforce development issues, fractured supply chains and more. Despite these headwinds, local retailers are innovating and embracing new technology to remain competitive and thrive. 

Over the past 10 years, grocery e-commerce has transformed. In 2013, many local and independent grocers were just starting to experiment with digital – they sometimes had websites, but rarely had e-commerce. Today, many offer online ordering for delivery and pickup, loyalty programs that can be used online in addition to in store, digital weekly ads and coupons, and so much more.

Instacart pioneered easy to use and affordable digital solutions for grocers of all sizes, and we’re doubling down on our support of local and independent grocers.

Following the acquisition last fall, the Rosie team is proud to join the talented team at Instacart that works tirelessly on behalf of our retail partners every day. As GM of Local Independent Grocers at Instacart, I’m now responsible for empowering independent grocers with technology so they can continue to grow and serve the needs of their customers and business. 

With Instacart Platform, grocers have everything they need to get online, all in one place. You don’t need an IT team to put your store in the palms of your customers’ hands. We act as an extension of your team and can even support the picking, packing, and delivery of your customer orders. 

And, that’s just the beginning of how we help independent grocers win. 

For example, brands want to connect with customers at the point of purchase. Who better than local grocers, that know their communities best, to help them do that? With Carrot Ads, you can do just that – while generating new revenue streams to enhance profitability. 

Your physical store also presents an opportunity for innovation. You already go above and beyond to serve your community. Why not digitize your store to create the most delightful connected experience possible?

With technology like Scan & Pay, Caper Carts, and FoodStorm order management for custom departments like deli and meats, you can make your store operations more efficient and profitable while improving the customer experience. 

We know grocers are busy, and that’s why we’re focused on building technology that’s easy to deploy, and modular so you can pick and choose what makes sense for your store and your customers. 

We’re passionate about this work because we understand the care that grocers put into serving their customers, and the important role they play in their communities. Our promise is to help you grow so you can continue to serve your customers well for decades to come. 

We can’t wait to see you next week at the NGA Show, where we’ll be at booth #1349. We also hope you’ll join us on Sunday, where Instacart’s Chief Business Officer Chris Rogers and Vice President and General Manager of Connected Stores David McIntosh will be on stage for a fireside chat during the Technology Summit. Looking forward to a great show and hope to see you in person soon.

Nick Nickitas

Author

Nick Nickitas has spent his career building leading B2B software companies. He is the General Manager of Local Independent Grocers at Instacart, where he partners with local grocers to leverage Instacart technology so they can continue to serve their customers and grow their businesses. Prior to joining Instacart through the acquisition of Rosie, Nick founded Rosie, Instacart’s white-label e-commerce solution for local and independent grocers. He is currently a Visiting Lecturer at Cornell and an Adjunct Lecturer at Lehigh University, teaching entrepreneurship and strategy to graduate and undergraduate students.