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Groceries delivery service targets growth

Taking the strain: Go!ceries owner Kris Smith (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

An online shopping delivery service aims to take the strain out of grocery shopping.

Kris Smith said she was inspired to set up her Go!ceries online service several years ago after finding it tough to go shopping with a small son.

She added: “I hated grocery shopping with a young child. I just thought to myself ‘one day I’m going to do it’.”

Ms Smith, 32, who works for an insurance company, said she was aware of similar services overseas and that she was convinced it was an ideal fit for Bermuda.

She explained cars are not as common as elsewhere, while seniors who do not own cars may find it difficult to get to stores — and that there was also a reservoir of businesspeople with little time to do their own shopping.

Ms Smith said: “The business offers a convenient alternative to visiting the grocery store.”

She added she launched the service last year — but in a low-key way so she would not be overwhelmed by customers before she had refined the service.

But she said: “This year I’m trying to promote it a little bit more.”

She added: “I know there are services like this overseas which are successful.”

Ms Smith’s website, which she designed herself, offers a range of choices including meat and fish, canned goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, household items, baby products and pet supplies with delivery the same day or the following day.

She explained she constantly expanded the goods on offer as people made product suggestions.

She said: “Design and graphics is something I enjoy doing anyway and I think it’s simple to use.”

Ms Smith added: “I’m currently working on giving customers more affordable product options and providing special discounted services for seniors and citizens with disabilities.”

And she said: “Some people don’t realise it can save money because when you’re ordering online you’re not buying on impulse.

“People in stores always go over their budget. This helps people stay on budget and it’s also good for people who don’t have any transport.”

Ms Smith, who runs the business from her Pembroke home, said: “I try to keep prices low, which helps as well. And it’s definitely good for seniors, who might not be able to go to grocery stores. It’s faster and easier.”

Same-day delivery costs $30 and next-day delivery $20.

She said she aimed to promote the service in the business world as well.

Ms Smith said: “I’ve been trying to reach out to these kinds of people, but I guess it takes time to get established.”

For more information, go to the website, www.goceriesbermuda.com.