In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Grocery shopping, once a time-consuming chore requiring a trip to the store, has evolved dramatically with the advent of online ordering, delivery, and pickup services. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone simply looking to streamline their routine, grocery delivery and pickup options have become invaluable. Many major retailers and grocery chains have embraced this trend, offering customers the ability to shop from the comfort of home and either have groceries delivered to their doorstep or pick them up at a designated time. In this article, we’ll explore 15 stores that provide grocery delivery and pickup services, detailing what makes each stand out and how they meet the needs of modern consumers.
1. Walmart
Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world, has made grocery shopping a breeze with its robust delivery and pickup options. Through Walmart Grocery, customers can order fresh produce, pantry staples, and household goods online or via the Walmart app. Pickup is free at many locations, with curbside service allowing you to stay in your car while staff load your groceries. Delivery is available through Walmart’s partnership with third-party services like DoorDash, with same-day options in many areas. Walmart+ members enjoy unlimited free delivery on orders over $35, making it an affordable choice for frequent shoppers.
2. Amazon Fresh
Amazon has revolutionized grocery shopping with Amazon Fresh, a service available to Prime members in select cities. Offering everything from organic produce to prepared meals, Amazon Fresh provides same-day or next-day delivery, often with free options for orders above a certain threshold (typically $35-$50, depending on location).
Pickup is available at select Amazon Fresh stores or Whole Foods locations, where customers can grab their orders without leaving their vehicle. The integration with Alexa and Amazon’s seamless logistics make this a top choice for tech-savvy shoppers.
3. Target
Target has expanded its grocery offerings in recent years, and with services like Drive Up and Order Pickup, it’s a strong contender in the convenience game. Customers can shop online for groceries—think fresh fruits, meats, and dairy—alongside Target’s signature household and apparel items. Drive Up allows you to pull into a designated spot, and an employee brings your order to your car in minutes. Delivery is powered by Shipt, a Target-owned service, with same-day options available in many areas. Shipt membership offers unlimited deliveries for a flat annual fee.
4. Kroger
Kroger, one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S., offers both delivery and pickup through its Kroger Delivery and ClickList services. Customers can shop online for groceries, including Kroger’s private-label brands, and schedule a pickup at their local store. For delivery, Kroger partners with services like Instacart and operates its own delivery fleet in some regions, promising fresh groceries straight to your door. The Boost membership program enhances the experience with free delivery and exclusive discounts, appealing to loyal Kroger shoppers.
5. Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market, owned by Amazon, caters to those seeking organic, natural, and premium grocery items.
Delivery and pickup are available through the Amazon platform for Prime members. Customers can order online and have their groceries delivered in as little as two hours in many cities, or opt for curbside pickup at participating stores.
Whole Foods stands out for its high-quality offerings, though its services are limited to areas with a nearby store or Amazon Fresh infrastructure.
6. Instacart (Multiple Partner Stores)
While not a single store, Instacart deserves a spot on this list for its partnerships with numerous grocery chains, including Costco, Safeway, Publix, and Aldi. Instacart allows customers to shop from their favorite local stores and have groceries delivered by a personal shopper, often within hours. Pickup options are available at select retailers, depending on location. The Instacart+ subscription offers free delivery on orders over $35, making it a flexible choice for those who shop across multiple stores.
7. Costco
Costco, the membership-based warehouse giant, offers grocery delivery through two main channels: its own same-day delivery service (powered by Instacart) and two-day delivery for non-perishable items via Costco.com. Fresh groceries like meat, produce, and bakery goods are available for delivery in many areas, though pickup is limited to in-store shopping with no official curbside option. Costco’s bulk sizing and competitive pricing make it ideal for families or those stocking up for the long haul.
8. Aldi
Aldi, known for its budget-friendly prices, has embraced convenience with delivery and curbside pickup. Partnering with Instacart, Aldi offers delivery of its exclusive brands and fresh produce in select markets. Curbside pickup is available at many locations, allowing customers to order online and pick up without entering the store. While Aldi’s services aren’t as widespread as some competitors, its low prices and growing availability make it a fan favorite.
9. Publix
Publix, a beloved grocery chain in the southeastern U.S., offers both delivery and pickup through its Publix Delivery service, powered by Instacart. Customers can order fresh deli items, bakery goods, and produce, with delivery available in as little as an hour in some areas. Curbside pickup, known as Publix Curbside, is free at participating stores, letting you grab your groceries without leaving your car. Publix’s focus on customer service shines through in its reliable and friendly options.
10. Safeway
Safeway, part of the Albertsons family, provides grocery delivery and pickup through its DriveUp & Go service.
Customers can shop online for groceries, schedule a pickup time, and have their order loaded into their vehicle at no extra cost. Delivery is available via Safeway’s own fleet or partnerships with services like Instacart, often with same-day availability. Safeway’s rewards program adds value, offering discounts and fuel points with every order.
11. Wegmans
Wegmans, a regional chain with a cult following in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, offers delivery and curbside pickup through its partnership with Instacart. Known for its high-quality prepared foods, fresh produce, and specialty items, Wegmans ensures that online orders maintain the same standard as in-store shopping. Curbside pickup is free, while delivery fees vary based on order size and timing. The Wegmans app enhances the experience with meal planning tools and easy reordering.
12. Meijer
Meijer, a Midwest superstore chain, combines groceries with general merchandise and offers both delivery and pickup. Through Meijer Home Delivery (powered by Shipt), customers can get groceries delivered to their door, often on the same day. Meijer Pickup allows you to order online and pick up at a designated spot outside the store for free.
The mPerks loyalty program integrates with these services, offering personalized deals and rewards.
13. H-E-B
H-E-B, a Texas-based grocery chain, has embraced convenience with H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery. Curbside pickup is available at many locations for a small fee (often waived for first-time users or larger orders), while delivery brings Texas favorites like H-E-B’s famous tortillas and brisket straight to your door. The service is tailored to local tastes, with a focus on fresh, regional products and a user-friendly app for ordering.
14. Giant Food
Giant Food, operating in the Mid-Atlantic region, offers Giant Pickup and Giant Delivers. Pickup is free at most stores, with staff loading your groceries into your car at a scheduled time. Delivery, powered by Giant’s own fleet or partners like Instacart, brings fresh produce, meats, and pantry items to your doorstep. The Giant Flexible Rewards program adds perks like points toward free groceries, making it a solid choice for regulars.
15. Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop, a Northeast grocery chain, rounds out our list with its Stop & Shop Pickup and Delivery services. Pickup is available at many locations, letting you order online and retrieve your groceries without entering the store.
Delivery, facilitated by Peapod (Stop & Shop’s sister service) or Instacart, offers same-day options in many areas. The GO Rewards program ties into online orders, offering savings on groceries and gas.
Why Grocery Delivery and Pickup Are Here to Stay
The rise of grocery delivery and pickup services reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. Convenience, fueled by technology and accelerated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a priority for shoppers. These services save time, reduce stress, and cater to diverse needs—whether it’s a parent needing diapers delivered ASAP or a professional grabbing groceries between meetings. Retailers have responded by investing heavily in logistics, partnering with third-party providers, and refining their apps and websites to make the process seamless.
Each store on this list brings something unique to the table. Walmart and Target excel in affordability and variety, while Whole Foods and Wegmans cater to premium tastes. Aldi and Costco keep costs low, and regional chains like H-E-B and Publix offer localized flair. Instacart’s flexibility ties it all together, bridging gaps for stores without their own delivery infrastructure.
Choosing the Right Service for You
When selecting a grocery delivery or pickup service, consider your priorities. Do you value speed? Amazon Fresh and Instacart often deliver in hours. Budget-conscious? Aldi and Walmart keep prices low. Looking for quality? Whole Foods or Wegmans might be your pick. Memberships like Walmart+, Shipt, or Instacart+ can also tip the scales, offering free delivery and perks for frequent users.
The Future of Grocery Shopping
As technology advances, expect these services to evolve further. Drone deliveries, AI-driven inventory management, and expanded same-day options are already on the horizon. For now, these 15 stores provide a solid foundation for convenient grocery shopping, proving that whether you want your groceries dropped off or picked up, there’s a solution tailored to your lifestyle.
