From Block Club Chicago:
"Far North Side families are getting a new grocery store — one that offers only curbside pickup.
"Fresh Street, which bills itself as the city’s first pickup-only grocery business, will open March 18 at 6191 N. Lincoln Ave. in North Park.
"The local startup is the latest to enter a growing field of technology-focused grocery businesses. Fresh Street focuses exclusively on pickup grocery orders instead of in-store shopping or delivery.
"Fresh Street is rolling out a website and smartphone app where users can order from more than 4,000 grocery store products. Its employees prepare the order for pickup in about 30 minutes, founder and CEO Mike Sayles said.
"Customers get a notice when their order is ready. The store has dedicated curbside pickup parking spaces where customers wait while their order is brought out. The idea is to replace the traditional grocery store stop for busy families while seeking to perfect the online grocery shopping experience, Sayles said."
- KC's View:
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It has to be hard to launch a business like this, but I give Fresh Street credit for being targeted in its pickup-only approach, and its willingness to own the business as opposed to outsourcing. I'd like to think this will give Fresh Street a differential advantage. And, if failing that, at least a difference.
