Albertsons announced that it is the first American grocer to pilot an automated and contactless grocery pickup kiosk.
The kiosk, located at one of its Jewel-Osco stores in Chicago, demonstrates the continued expansion of the company’s eCommerce business and deep commitment to providing easy service through its websites and apps, said Albertsons in a press release.
The automated, temperature-controlled kiosk, created by Cleveron, provides a contactless pickup experience. Customers who select the “Kiosk PickUp” option will be offered 2-hr time slots during which to pick up their groceries.
When customers arrive at the kiosk, they scan a code on their phone and their groceries are robotically delivered to the front of the unit for pickup. The unit features two temperature zones, regular and a deep freeze. A customer’s order can be stored in two different zones and still be delivered in the same console for pick up.
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The kiosk in Chicago is currently fulfilling orders, and the company said it’s planning to install a second unit at a Bay Area Safeway in the near future.
“We are supercharging our digital and omnichannel offerings to serve customers however they want, whenever they want,” said Chris Rupp, EVP, and Chief Customer & Digital Officer at Albertsons Cos. “This innovative and contactless pickup kiosk makes it even easier for customers to shop with us in a way that is convenient for them.”
Cleveron is an Estonian technology company providing automated collection solutions, known for its reliability and excellent customer experience. The company has been creating market disrupting lockers and parcel robots for over 13 years, partnering with the world’s largest retailers and grocery stores.
“Cleveron’s pickup solutions are created to save time and offer convenience for everyone. The customers can drive up to the PickUp Kiosk, scan the code, grab their groceries, and go. It is as quick and easy as that,” explained the CEO of Cleveron, Arno Kütt. “We are honored that Albertsons Cos. has selected our technology in their drive to offer the best experience for their customers.”
Cleveron’s technology is distributing online orders in 30 countries around the world; more than 1.4 million customers receive their packages through a Cleveron machine each month.
The kiosk, installed by Telaid, joins a growing lineup of customer-centric services offered by the company to provide contactless fulfillment. In October, Albertsons Cos. installed pickup lockers at several Jewel-Osco stores.