Virtual grocery shopping

“This is part of how retail is evolving,” she said. “Our customers want to be able to shop how they want, when they want, with mobile and digital outlets.”

Locally owned businesses have begun joining the trend as well. When Jessica Riddle’s family moved to Australia, she had five kids and dreaded tackling weekly grocery shopping in a foreign country. However, she noticed the local grocer offered delivery services.

After moving back to the area, Riddle started The Pantry Lady this spring with moms in mind. On top of delivering groceries to homes, she offers meal planning, dry cleaning and prescription pickup and discounts to seniors and teachers. While the business charges a service fee, she uses coupons and does not charge more for products. Without going to the store with kids in tow and giving in to impulse buys, moms still tend to pay less, she said.

Riddle is not limited to specific grocery stores and said the personal service she offers sets her apart from major retailers. 

“When I do your grocery shopping, that’s two or three more hours you get to spend with your family,” Riddle said.