Instacart looks to conquer Canada

Instacart is entering its first international market by adding Canadian grocers Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and T&T as partners.

In a Canadian first, Loblaw Companies Limited and Instacart will work together to deliver groceries to Canadian homes, beginning in December. Loblaw has a network of nearly 2,500 stores and the most Click & Collect grocery pick-up sites in Canada, now complemented by the option of home delivery. 

Online grocery orders from Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and T&T stores will be delivered by Instacart to customers' homes in as little as one hour, beginning in Toronto on Dec. 6, and in the Greater Vancouver Area in January 2018. Rapid expansion to additional markets across Canada is expected throughout 2018.

"We are a customer-led company adding new ways to make shopping easier," said Galen G. Weston, Chairman and CEO, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We have stores minutes from most Canadians, the nation's largest Click & Collect network, and home delivery of online beauty and apparel products. For customers who want groceries delivered right to their door, Instacart is a new and complementary convenience."

At launch, customers will visit instacart.ca or download the Instacart app, pick from a local store's online inventory of as many as 30,000 products, and choose a delivery window that works best for their needs – in as little as one hour, or for those who plan in advance, up to one week later. Instacart's shoppers do the rest, personally shopping and delivering the order.

"Entering our first international market with national icons like Loblaw and its President's Choice brand is a strong starting point for both our company and the local customers we aim to serve," said Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Instacart. "I grew up in Canada and know firsthand the appeal of these supermarkets and brands. I also know that our Instacart technology and service will meaningfully add to their appeal and convenience."