Publix and Instacart launch 'virtual convenience store'

Publix and Instacart have come together for a new, convenient way for customers to shop. The Southeastern grocery chain and the delivery service have launched the “Publix Quick Picks” virtual convenience store.

Available across Publix's entire seven-state footprint, the new storefront allows customers to shop from Publix's wide assortment of fresh groceries, pantry and household essentials, and more, for delivery in as fast as 30 minutes with Instacart Priority Delivery. Instacart recently launched express delivery with bargain retailer Dollar Tree.

"Customer demand for convenience and rapid delivery continues to grow, and both speed and selection have become fundamental to grocery e-commerce,” said Chris Rogers, vice president of retail at Instacart. “We're proud to expand our partnership with Publix to bring the in-store express lane online with Publix Quick Picks, offering customers incredible choice paired with fast delivery to meet all of their last-minute needs through this busy holiday season and beyond. Whether trying to satisfy a craving, needing a forgotten ingredient for a family dinner or looking for a quick lunch option, Publix Quick Picks gives customers access to nearly the entire store so they can get exactly what they want, when they need it."

Following a successful pilot, which took place in Tampa, Fl. in September of this year, Publix and Instacart expanded the service across Publix's operating footprint ahead of the holiday season, enabling millions of households across the Southeast to receive rapid delivery from Publix for the first time ever. 

"Since launching Publix Quick Picks on Instacart, we've seen rapid customer adoption,” said Erik Katenkamp, Publix vice president of omnichannel and application development. “Our store locations and wide assortment, combined with Instacart Priority Delivery in as fast as 30 minutes, creates a winning solution for our customers. Our strong relationship with Instacart continues to unlock capabilities to meet the changing needs of our customers, and we look forward to continuing to grow our portfolio of time-saving services — like Publix Quick Picks — to give customers more ways to get what they need from Publix."

Publix and Instacart first partnered in 2016 to launch same-day delivery in as fast as one hour and, with Publix Quick Picks, now offer delivery in as fast as 30 minutes on smaller convenience orders from nearly 1,200 stores.