Instacart has launched its new Instacart Platform that includes capabilities that can further enable grocers' digital transformation with a new suite of enterprise-grade technologies, according to Instacart.
The platform is giving retailers access to the technologies behind Instacart's consumer marketplace to power their own digital properties and retail operations. It brings together the technologies retailers need to improve the consumer experience online or in-store and digitize the end-to-end grocery operation.
Instacart Platform is comprised of ecommerce storefronts custom-built for grocers and a la carte recommendation and merchandising capabilities, such as fulfillment solutions like online delivery and pickup from stores or warehouses, and 15-minute ultrafast to next-day delivery; in-store digital integrations and connected hardware to enhance the brick-and-mortar store experience, from scanless carts to technology that helps manage operations; advertising solutions to help brands connect and engage with consumers in the digital aisles; and data tools to help retailers optimize operations, provide more connected experiences, and make informed business decisions.
"The grocery industry is undergoing a digital transformation where customers expect a seamless experience across many channels, but behind the scenes it's taking an incredible amount of work and investment for retailers to deliver these new services," said Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart, in a statement. "We're looking to change that with Instacart Platform. We started as the ecommerce and fulfillment partner of choice for grocers, and we've been building on that foundation to broaden and deepen our capabilities, in order to help retailers innovate faster than ever on their own properties."
The company has launched three new capabilities:
• Carrot Ads unlocks new monetization capabilities, including revenue share models, to create an additional source of profit for retailers.
Instacart is piloting its new ad service with Schnuck Markets Inc., Good Food Holdings, Plum Market, and other retailers, with plans to roll it out more broadly later this year.
• Carrot Warehouses help retailers create more flexible, local fulfillment models to unlock capabilities such as 15-minute ultrafast delivery. Instacart works with retailers to enable end-to-end fast delivery solutions customized to their needs, including building new nano-fulfillment centers, devising floor plans, establishing automation services, and running ongoing operations. Carrot Warehouses will power 15-minute ultrafast delivery for Publix customers in Atlanta and Miami over the coming months.
• Carrot Insights give retailers near real-time visibility into their operations to help them make informed, proactive business decisions. The dashboards track key performance and operational metrics such as order volumes and out of stocks across Instacart Platform and retailers' own Instacart App storefronts. Instacart's new data analytics software helps retailers better understand geographic sales, out of stocks, and customer buying trends.
Carrot Insights is helping retailers like Key Food manage and optimize their omnichannel operations, and is live starting today for all Instacart Platform customers.
Related: Instacart Launches Shoppable Recipes; How to Use Technology to Build a Relevant Brand.