Instacart plans to build and operate fulfillment centers for supermarkets.
Instacart has teamed up with automation specialist Fabric to offer micro-fulfillment solutions to U.S. and Canadian grocery retailers.
Fabric software and robotics will be paired with Instacart front-end e-commerce technology and personal shoppers to provide faster, more efficient fulfillment at dedicated warehouses and existing retailer spaces.
The micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) would be used to fill retailers’ online grocery orders placed via the Instacart Marketplace or through a grocer’s branded Instacart e-commerce site, according to Instacart. Besides speedier fulfillment, the MFCs would enable retailers to handle more online order volume and accommodate customers’ full grocery shop, ranging from packaged groceries, household staples and fresh produce to deli items, frozen food and alcohol.