Merchants Distributors LLC (MDI) has begun a partnership with Instacart to offer e-commerce solutions to the wholesale grocery distributor’s network of independent stores.
Participating MDI grocers are joining the Instacart app to offer customers same-day delivery and enabling Storefront Pro, Instacart’s end-to-end fully-customizable e-commerce solution built specifically for grocers.
“We’ve long admired MDI and how, for over 90 years, they have supported independent grocers with essential expertise, infrastructure and scale, so that they can thrive and grow,” said Nick Nickitas, general manager of independent grocery and mid-market retail partnerships at Instacart.
“It’s a privilege to team up with MDI and their retailers to enhance the guest experience with the adoption of Instacart’s platform. Together we’ll empower leading local grocers to deliver a seamless, flexible way to shop while preserving the local connection that sets them apart in the communities they serve.”
Storefront Pro gives Hickory, North Carolina-based MDI’s independent retail partners advanced customization capabilities and control over their digital storefronts, including access to data and analytic tools powered by Instacart’s technology to help identify growth opportunities.
Its independent grocers also will have access to complete, full-stack fulfillment technologies to power pickup and delivery.
The white-label e-commerce solution gives MDI’s independents the ability to unlock new retail media capabilities through access to Instacart Carrot Ads, enabling them to monetize its digital and physical footprint through a unified retail media network.
With the rollout of Storefront Pro and retailer availability on the Instacart app, MDI’s independent retail partners are positioned to bring an elevated omnichannel shopping experience to the communities they serve, while unlocking new avenues for growth and customer engagement.
MDI’s independent retailers join more than 600 retail banners using Instacart’s white-label e-commerce solutions.
“As a wholesaler, it’s important that we equip our retail partners with the ability to connect with customers however they shop,” said Mary Kellmanson, SVP of marketing at MDI.
“By powering our e-commerce service with Instacart, we’re able to support our independent retailers with a comprehensive solution that gives us the merchandising flexibility we need to help our retailers grow their digital presence and better serve their communities.”
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