Marc Hoover
I have been shopping at Kroger since the late 1970s. I can remember the days before grocery chains bought into the big box theme. There were only a few aisles, and the frozen food section was limited to an aisle with a large freezer.

The grocery business is now simplifying the grocery process with online ordering. After much skepticism, I ordered my groceries online through the Mt. Orab Kroger. I even added a few more items later in the day. You can make changes until midnight of the day before your scheduled pickup. Just select the items you want and choose a pick up time. The system will adjust your bill for digital coupons. And if you have other coupons, Kroger staff applies them to your final total.

I also checked the box to allow substitutions. I had ordered a large shampoo bottle because I had a coupon. Unfortunately, the product wasn’t available. But I still got to use my coupon and received a substitution. It worked out great.

Kroger takes pride in simplifying the grocery shopping process as have made a science of selling grocery items. Without leaving my car, I pulled up to the pharmacy area and gave my name to the manager on duty. The staff loaded my groceries into my vehicle and then told me about a few substitutions. After my online coupons and various other coupons were applied, I paid my bill. Easy peasy.

It was a pleasant experience. Within a short time, I expect Kroger to have this process down to a science. Although my experience was pleasant, I am sure they would prefer that I would have had a perfect experience. I prefer to avoid using perfect because every process can be improved.

Sure, I get it that people like to pick their own meat or produce. This may keep them from shopping online. Maybe it’s for the exercise value or just to get out of the house. And then there are those who just enjoy walking the aisles. But for anyone who dislikes spending hours in a grocery store, this service is for you.

Staff members did an excellent job in selecting my produce. I included salad and organic bananas on my original order. Both were in good shape. My bananas were bright yellow without any bruising, and my salad was bright green. I would have chosen the same items had I been inside the store.

Kroger doesn’t charge for the service for your first three visits. Starting with the fourth, they include a small surcharge, which I consider reasonable. It’s a convenience fee for saving time by ordering from home. I didn’t walk through a crowded store or stand in line for eternity. Online grocery shopping is definitely worth the price of admission. My time is valuable, and I don’t want to spend it inside a grocery store or any other store.

Most likely, online grocery ordering will follow online dating. Initially, it was frowned upon because of skepticism. Eventually, most of the population will order their groceries online. And smart entrepreneurs will figure out how to make money by delivering groceries. Although I am not sure where Kroger is on handling delivery, I imagine that some executive is contemplating a way to make it a reality sometime down the road. Kroger.com has more information about ordering groceries online. Try it. I think you will have a great experience.

Finally, Kroger didn’t pay me to promote this service in any shape or form. In previous columns, I have mentioned that if I receive exemplary service, I will be sure to spread the word throughout the Clermont County community.

Marc is a grandparent and longtime resident of Clermont County. Visit his author page at www.lifewithgrandpa.com and blog at www.wisegrandpa.com.