Co-op Launches First Online Ordering, Curbside Pickup

The Greenbelt Co-op Supermarket and Pharmacy now offers online grocery ordering through Mercato, the online grocery e-commerce platform for independently owned grocery and specialty food stores. During the pandemic, this service has been requested by Co-op members and other customers who want to shop with the Co-op while avoiding coming into the store. The pilot program aims to fulfill this need. Co-op is planning to offer home delivery soon. “We’re excited and delighted to offer this new program,” says Co-op General Manager Dan Gillotte. “But the same supply challenges that exist in-store will exist online, so if it is not available in the store, it will not magically be available online.” Shoppers who use the Co-op’s online Mercato store can indicate with their order that Co-op staff may substitute the next best item on hand, if necessary. “Anyone can order any time, any day for pickup on the following day,” says Gillotte. “Thanks to everyone for your patience as we’ve got most of the bugs worked out of this new offering.” To start, the Co-op is charging a 5 percent service fee and has a $30 minimum per order, with a limited number of pick-up slots available daily, so those who need a certain time should order as early as possible the day before to ensure a slot. When shoppers arrive at their pickup time, they should pull up along the green barriers toward the front of the store and call the store at 301-474-0522. It is advised to pop the trunk or open a door and staff will bring out the order in a contactless way. At the moment, Co-op is set to handle five pickup customers per hour during this early phase, with orders ready as the hour begins. Gillotte noted, “We are open to expanding the program’s capacity based on our experiences with it and the demand we experience.” This online ordering program is for groceries only and not for prescriptions provided by the Coop Pharmacy. The pharmacy staff will work with a customer to arrange curbside pickup or even for home delivery on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more details, visit greenbelt.coop/cms/shop/onlineordering/. There is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the online ordering pilot program. To place an order on the online store, click on any of the Mercato logos on the Co-op’s website (greenbelt.coop) or on the Coop’s mobile app. Jill Stevenson is Co-op’s Marketing, Membership and Community Outreach Coordinator and a former Co-op board secretary.