Friday, November 5, 2010

Grocery Shopping in my PJs

Back in the day when computers were just becoming a household necessity, I remember hearing about a new company called Webvan. Webvan was a grocery delivery service, which functioned from orders made on the new-fangled internet. What a foolish idea, I thought. Are we really that lazy that we can't just go to the store to get our groceries?

Then I had kids.

And I understood. Because who in their right mind wants to drag 4 children to the grocery store?

But by that time, Webvan had gone under, and I could find no other company who took their place.

I have often thought about Webvan over the last couple of months as the uncertainty of a chilly, white winter looms ahead. So imagine my delight when I saw a PeaPod truck rambling down my street a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't help but notice the logo of one of our closest grocery stores stamped on the back of the box truck. "Does Stop 'N Shop deliver groceries?" I inquired of the neighbor with whom I was chatting at the moment.

Affirmative.

I came inside and pulled the service up on the internet. Sure enough. There it was. AND they were offering free delivery for the first 60 days of use! I immediately decided I would put PeaPod to good use as soon as the Arctic weather became unbearable. By being patient and waiting until then, my 60 days of free delivery would extend almost through the worst part of the winter.

But then the Princess got sick. And we needed to eat. Plus, I really needed supplies for the co-op science class I am teaching today. What I did NOT need was barf clean-up on Aisle 3.

So I jumpstarted my 60 days and placed my order. Unfortunately, the next available delivery time slot was not until between 6 AM and 8 am this morning, but I don't mind so much because now I will actually be able to feed my children breakfast!

9 comments:

Teacher Mommy said...

I am jealous. JEALOUS. Although...I often do the grocery shopping in the afternoons or on the weekends when there's someone else who can keep an eye on the littles, and that time becomes a moment of peaceful refuge from the Horde.

Lately it's just been a bloody inconvenience. I could use a PeaPod, whatever that is, in my neighborhood right now.

CrossView said...

Ok. That is just awesome! How do the prices compare? I know it's got to be higher - but is it much higher? So it would be my fantasy. I live too far in the woods for anyone to deliver. Ever! But what a dream...

And I'm glad you fed your kids. ;o)

tsinclair said...

Well, 60 days will cover a good portion of the time. Hopefully the delivery charge will not be too much for you to finish the winter. :-)

Kathleen said...

Actually, surprisingly, I did not notice a change of prices—they get you on the delivery fee. In fact, the milk I got was cheaper than I have found it elsewhere. The kids keep asking me why we never have milk. Milk is SO expensive up here, and I just can’t bring myself to throw 2 or 3 gallons into the cart at over $4 a pop! Unfortunately, Stop and Shop is the most expensive of the 3 grocery stores that are near us, but, hey, you do whacha gotta do!

Bunch of Barrons said...

Um...that is amazing. I'm so jealous. :)

Amy @ Cheeky Cocoa Beans said...

That was an awesome find...and perfect timing to have that piece of PeaPod info THIS WEEK. I hope your daughter is well, your co-op class went off without a hitch, and your 60 day trial period lasts you long enough! :)

ballast photography said...

Oh, how wonderful! I dream of such a miracle happening here, but no stores have caught the vision :( Do you have a limit on how many deliveries you get during your 60 days?

Unknown said...

As soon as the General can drive, mu shopping days are limtied!

Anonymous said...

webvan = bad memories for me. i once purchased a cooked free-range chicken & didn't notice until after I checked out that that chicken was SEVENTEEN FREAK'N DOLLARS.

sharonb