Longo’s has announced that it will triple the size of its Grocery Gateway facility in a bid to meet rising demand for the service. The company, which delivers groceries, wine and beer to consumers, will be upsizing its warehouse from 50,000 square feet to 150,000 square feet.
The company has experienced speedy growth in the past few years, reaching double-digit percentage growth since the June relaunching of its website.
“Online grocery shopping has officially come of age in the Greater Toronto Area,” says Anthony Longo, president and CEO of Longo Brothers Fruit Markets. “We’re investing in our infrastructure to meet shopper demand. Our success builds upon consumer insights from nearly 20 years of online grocery delivery. These expanded facilities, increases in delivery vehicles – including energy efficient hybrids – and the newly redesigned Grocery Gateway site, makes it even easier and more convenient for shoppers to get all their groceries, wine and beer delivered.”
Currently, the facility stocks more than 10,000 frozen, grocery, refrigerated and produce items. The new renovation will allow inventory to expand to around 16,000 units.
This convenient, online service presents another challenge to independent retailers looking to attract customers. With Millennial consumers’ spending power on the rise, independents must strongly consider the ways in which they cater to this growing market. Whether it’s through e-commerce or novel service expansions, these retailers must consider adopting new, consumer-friendly ways of conducting business—before it’s too late.
