Demand for grocery delivery cools as food costs rise

A man shops at a supermarket in New York. US demand for grocery delivery is cooling as food prices rise. Some shoppers are shifting to less expensive grocery pickup, while others are returning to the store. — AP

Karen Raschke, a retired attorney in New York, started getting her groceries delivered early in the pandemic. Each delivery cost US$30 (RM133) in fees and tips, but it was worth it to avoid the store.

Then earlier this spring, Raschke learned her rent was increasing by US$617 (RM2,749) per month. Delivery was one of the first things she cut from her budget. Now, the 75-year-old walks four blocks to the grocery several times a week. She only uses delivery on rare occasions, like a recent heat wave.