CINCINNATI, OH - If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time in this industry, it is that we’re good at pivoting when we need to. As challenges from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have arisen, both retailers and suppliers alike have worked tirelessly to ensure that shoppers are getting the essentials they need. In response to higher demand for click-and-collect services, Kroger is testing a pick-up-only format in its hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.

“We greatly appreciate our customers’ understanding as we work tirelessly to serve the community during this unprecedented time. The pick-up-only model is ideal for all customers, especially for senior and higher-risk shoppers,” Erin Rolfes, Corporate Affairs Manager for Kroger’s Cincinnati-Dayton Division, said in a statement. “Because of the ongoing increase in grocery products and services at this time, it’s also important for our customers to know they may experience limited inventory options and longer wait times than usual.”

Shoppers are now more than ever looking for alternative ways of grocery shopping, making this new format a strategic and critical move for the retailer. It is unknown whether or not Kroger will continue to roll out more of these stores in the area or across the nation, but the demand for it does not seem to show any signs of slowing down.

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Kroger