If you've relied on FreshDirect for a hassle-free grocery experience, you may have to go back to buying the old-fashioned way by leaving your couch, walking to the store, and carrying your items home.
The New York-based online grocer many have welcomed throughout the epidemic (and for the previous 20 years) will suspend operations in Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
FreshDirect's last delivery in certain markets will be Saturday, according to a blog post. This decision followed Ahold Delhaize USA's January 2021 acquisition of FreshDirect.
After careful study, the firm will focus on the New York City metro region. FreshDirect's website says this covers Jersey Shore and Hamptons.
Ahold Delhaize plans to produce $11 billion in worldwide sales by 2025, while FreshDirect collaborated with Stop & Shop to streamline digital and brick-and-mortar platforms.
FreshDirect serves Philadelphia, D.C., and New York from a 400,000-square-foot Bronx fulfilment facility.
FreshDirect expanded to Philadelphia in 2012 and Washington D.C. in 2017, with 2-hour service in 2020.
Two years after the epidemic, customers may start leaving their homes, reducing the necessity for online grocers while pickup remains the most popular e-commerce option.
This month, online grocer Farmstead stopped serving four markets and now just serves San Francisco. Amazon Fresh stopped supplying NJ, DE, MD, CA, Philly, and LA in 2017.
FreshDirect credit you can't use due to market shutdown will be reimbursed by September 30.