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At some point in the last few months, delivering groceries somehow became en vogue. So much so that after industry trailblazers like Peapod and FreshDirect came copycats like HelloFresh and Instacart. Then Amazon Fresh hopped on board and quickly doubled down with two-hour convenience ordering via Amazon Prime Now (which includes alcohol). Even Target has a new grocery service. So what would the internet giant that is Google be without its own version of online grocery shopping and drop-off?
Yep, the company that began as a search engine and now has a virtual hand in nearly everything we do—email, IM, music, movies, TV—is adding online supermarket to its repertoire. After building on its dry-goods delivery service, Google Express, the brand now boasts same-day delivery of fresh produce, meat, and dairy in addition to non-perishables. So far, only those living in Los Angeles and San Francisco can take advantage of the new initiative, though a nationwide roll-out is planned for a future, yet-to-be-disclosed date.
So how does it compare to all of the services before it? First, it integrates its strong search engine with a clean shopping interface divided by categories and stores. The Wall Street Journal reports that Google will also wisely use local retail partners like Costco and Whole Foods in lieu of refrigerated warehouses (like Amazon and Fresh Direct do) to avoid extra costs and risks like spoiled food.
A Google Express membership will cost you $95 each year (Amazon Fresh charges $299 annually) but fresh-food deliveries will be an extra $3 per order. Plus, you'll have to stock up on at least $35 worth of groceries (up from the previous $15 minimum) to get them delivered to your door. However, Google has shaved its delivery window from four hours to two hours. And there's still hope for those without Google Express accounts: You can get groceries delivered for $5 per order. Cha-ching, instant money saver.
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