The pandemic pushed US consumers to buy groceries online. How many will still get them delivered?

A grocery clerk organises containers used to keep home-delivery and curbside pickup items together at Weavers Way Co-op in Philadelphia's Mount Airy section. — The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS

PHILADELPHIA: Jon Roesser, the general manager of Weavers Way Co-op, usually works with banks and suppliers to keep the grocery running, puts together the US$34mil (RM144.10mil) budget, or plans marketing promotions, like an upcoming sale on frozen shrimp.

But as the demand for home deliveries exploded during the pandemic, Roesser became a delivery driver, too. For a few weeks last year, he crisscrossed town in his 2000 Honda Accord, the trunk and backseat bulging with grocery bags. Store managers and the executive chef had to help deliver, too. “It was all hands on deck,” he said.