July 08--Instacart is broadening its move into the western suburbs, the company said Wednesday, to match growing demand for personal delivery.
The fast-growing grocery delivery service has added the suburbs of Lisle and Elmhurst to its delivery map. The San Francisco-based company is also adding Jewel-Osco and Petco to its roster of stores west suburban customers can order from.
Since April, the grocery delivery service has been serving a handful of western suburbs including Naperville, Oak Brook, Westmont, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Downers Grove. Until now, customers in those areas could only order from the likes of Whole Foods, Costco and Standard Market.
Instacart has been operating in Chicago since 2013. Its delivery fees start at $3.99, but there is a $99 annual service called Instacart Express that wipes out delivery fees for all orders of $35 or more.
Last month, the company said it would hire part-time staffers instead of independent contractors to do its shopping in Chicago as it focuses on improving service and beefing up orders.
Midwest General Manager David Osborne said Wednesday that the company plans to hire more part-time workers, but "it depends on demand as we open up in Lisle and Elmhurst and how much more business we see coming."
crshropshire@tribpub.com
