Grocery shopping on the internet
A situation where going outside means taking a risk and requires a lot of protective measures is no more just imagination, and regular activities like picking up the groceries have become difficult. And that is the exact problem that online grocery stores are solving for us. Practically all essential grocery items are delivered to one's doorstep in a matter of hours. These are some of the names you can browse to find one that suits your needs the best.
Chaldal and Khaas Food
Chaldal.com is one of the first online grocers in Bangladesh. The online market offers a diverse range of items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, beverages, cooking assistance and home appliances, cleaning products, office items, and so on. The market also keeps pet care items, baby care, and other healthcare necessities to make self-care easier during this lockdown.
Similarly, Khaas Food offers buyers healthy and fresh edible produce, starting from a variety of oils, honey, pure ghee to dry fruits and fish, juice, organic tea, and other daily staples.
Both online grocers make getting groceries delivered much easier with payment options of bkash, credit/debit cards, and cash on delivery.
Aladeiin.com
The newer player on the block is Aladeiin.com, who have broadened their scope and added everyday grocery items in their products basket since the pandemic situation caused a general lockdown. Starting off with initially offering only branded electronics for delivery, the online marketplace has expanded, realising the need of the hour. Taking into consideration the current situation of the country, the CEO of Aladeiin.com, Shafkat Hossain encourages his customers to stay home, promising the "best product in the fastest possible time."
The online market is slowly scaling up, keeping in mind not to compromise the quality of the product. As of now, dry items, rice, potatoes, lentils, cooking oils and spices, baked goods and other staples are available. The market is holding off on the poultry produce for now, but makes up for it with its diverse range of self-care and personal care items.
Starting from trimmers and hair dryers to daily gadgets like Bluetooth speakers, gaming equipment to smartwatches, Aladeiin.com has everything to keep quarantined life as comfortable as possible. Moreover, the electronics come with warranty and installation services.
With their own team operating under all precautionary and safety guidelines, deliveries are made within hours, offering a discount coupon for customers shopping over Tk 2,500 with both digital and physical options for payment.
Shwapno.com and Meena Click
Being well-known for their physical outlets, the super-shop chains, Shwapno and Meena Bazar both provide a range of daily staples including meat and vegetables, dairy and bakery products, frozen foods and other necessities. It only becomes more convenient when these stores offer the same desirable service online in various parts of the country.
Shwapno has also launched "pandamart," an on-demand grocery and medicine delivery service, with foodpanda to give customers access to a range of daily essentials and medicines, household necessities, frozen and fresh food being delivered straight to their doorstep. Similarly, Pathao has relaunched its instant grocery delivery service, 'Tong,' partnering with Shwapno. In a matter of minutes, users of these apps can have groceries and snacks ordered easily.
Daraz Grocer Shop and Othoba.com
Daraz has facilitated an online grocery shopping line, Daraz Grocer Shop, keeping up with public demand, providing canned, dry and packaged food, beverages, breakfast items etc.
Both Daraz and othoba.com allow buyers to filter their groceries according to brand and their price range. This not only makes it easier for buyers to find their desired product, but also makes shopping on a budget easier.
DeliveryHobe
The e-commerce website and food delivery service promises to delivering goods within an hour. Starting from groceries, baby products and pet products to electronics, DeliveryHobe has options for anyone looking for supplies in a hurry.
Their lockdown essentials category includes items to make this lockdown period more fruitful. Consoles, playing cards, Pokémon trading cards and other indoor games are easily available on their website.
As the world evolves, so does shopping. With a pandemic at play, grocery stores have adapted to making life a little easier for the rest of us. Any of these e-grocery platforms are sure to keep our houses well-stocked, productive, and running without a glitch.
Photo: LS Archive/ Sazzad Ibne Sayed