Albertsons, Google team up to boost online shopping convenience

Albertsons, a U.S.-based grocery company, is teaming up with Google to offer a set of digital enhancements via online shopping and ordering tools through Google Search and Maps, predictive list-building, chatbots and integration of Google Pay.

As such, Albertsons is focusing on making shopping more efficient, while focusing on scaling its e-commerce services and streamlining its fulfillment.

E-commerce sales in the United States during 2020 accounted for 14 percent of total sales, while  e-commerce sales for Q1 of 2021 is scheduled for release on May 18, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“For example, AI-powered hyperlocal information and features will make it easier to get your grocery shopping done — enabling things like personalized service, easier ordering, pickup and delivery, predictive shopping carts, and more,” wrote Carrie Tharp, vice president of retail and consumer solutions for Google’s cloud division, in a blog post.

The two companies initially began working together last spring in the form of delivering training and exercise, in which both produced numerous ideas that went into development and resulted in a multi-year partnership including a host of artificial intelligence- and cloud-enabled updates.

Finally, the pair are making it even easier for customers to get groceries for pickup and delivery, by providing helpful information about online shopping and ordering from many Albertsons Cos.’ stores directly within mobile search.

This functionality is coming to Google Maps later this year.

“Albertsons Cos. is continuing to transform into a modern retailer fit for the future, and we are leading the industry forward by providing the easiest and most exciting shopping experience for our customers,” said Chris Rupp, EVP and Chief Customer & Digital Officer at Albertsons Cos.

“In bringing together Google’s technology expertise with our commitment to customer-centric innovation, we’re providing our customers with a superior shopping experience no matter how they choose to shop with us,” he added.