Grocery giant Albertsons Companies, Inc. on Tuesday (Dec. 14) launched Meal Planning and Schedule & Save digital options to give loyalty members access to integrated menu planning, shopping list creation and the option to auto-replenish essential items on their lists.
The new features are part of Albertson’s goal to overhaul its digital offerings and improve all aspects of the food experience.
“Our customers continue to look for new ways to save time and money when planning meals and shopping at their neighborhood Albertsons Cos. banner store,” said Chris Rupp, Albertsons’ EVP and chief customer and digital officer, in the company announcement.
“These two new features are important ways we’re helping customers reduce the effort associated with grocery shopping so they can spend the time enjoying meals with family and friends,” she said.
Albertson’s Meal Plans feature integrates meal planning app Mealime to help customers prepare for their upcoming meals with a personalized way to cook thousands of recipes developed by professional chefs and dietitians based on taste and dietary preferences.
The Schedule & Save auto-replenishment online offering online ensures loyalty members their grocery and household essentials remain in stock. It automates routine shopping and allows customers to replenish their frequently purchased items across all categories at a discounted price.
Schedule & Save was developed in partnership with auto-replenishment and predictive shopping platform Replenium. Albertsons plans to expand the offering across the U.S. in 2022 and add more items for continuous auto-replenishment.
Related: Albertsons Companies Sees Digital Growth Recovery Driven by Loyalty Deals
Albertsons’ digital sales grew 5% year-over-year in its most recent quarter that ended in September, giving the company a cumulative 248% growth over 2019, in part by the launch of the grocer’s new app and loyalty program.
The Albertsons’ digital loyalty program grew its omnichannel reach as its number of actively engaged loyalty program members grew 9%, the number of total members 17%, and the retention rate for active members was 93%.