Instacart Launches AI, Omnichannel Solutions Aimed at Grocery

Instacart is rolling out new digital solutions aimed at the grocery marketplace as part of an effort to help retailers boost e-commerce sales, further digitize their stores, and build AI-powered omnichannel experiences for consumers. 

The new Instacart Storefront is built on the same core infrastructure as the Instacart App, and gives retailers access to new innovations, faster – including those powered by Instacart's 150 proprietary AI models. 

For example, Instacart is bringing AI-powered conversational search to the new Instacart Storefront that will allow customers to ask open-ended questions such as "What do I need to make fish tacos?" or "What's a nutritious lunch for my kids?" directly in the search bar on retailers' storefronts. Instacart processes millions of search queries a day – and hundreds per second during peak time – and this capability uses OpenAI's ChatGPT models alongside Instacart's own product data and AI models.

Additionally, Instacart is introducing an"In-Store" mode, which turns retailers' apps into companions when customers shop in stores. In-Store mode helps customers see what's in stock, view important details about items on their list – such as nutrition information or whether they're EBT SNAP-eligible – get product recommendations, sort items by aisle, and access in-store promotions and discounts. 

This feature also helps retailers better understand their customers, no matter if they shop online, in stores, or both. In-Store mode will be available in select areas on retailers' Instacart Storefront-powered apps, including Food Bazaar, Gelson's, and Stew Leonards, and is also being tested on the Instacart App.

"We've long believed the future of grocery – and commerce in general – isn't online or in-store, it's both. And now, more than ever, it's being supercharged with AI," said Asha Sharma, Instacart’s chief operating officer. "We know that omnichannel customers in particular are more valuable to retailers, which is why Instacart is developing more solutions that help retailers serve their customers no matter how they shop."

Instacart also unveiled a number of new updates to its Caper Carts, which are already being deployed in stores across the U.S. by retailers such as Bristol Farms, Schnucks, ShopRite, and Fairway Market. They include:

• Upgraded AI models that improve the speed and precision of camera and weight sensors on its latest version of Caper Cart. The models update automatically and learn over time.
• The ability to order made-to-order items such as deli sandwiches or custom cakes directly from the carts – powered by FoodStorm, Instacart's order management solution. Customers can order from their Caper Cart as they browse the aisles – no more having to walk over to the deli counter or bakery, or wait in line.
• New in-store rewards for Caper Carts so retailers can offer customers points, coupons, or badges for completing actions like logging into a loyalty account, adding certain items to the cart, or trying a Caper Cart for the first time.
• A new Caper Cart dock, which lets retailers provide a permanent place for Caper Carts to be stored and charged. Caper Carts are the only smart cart on the market to offer stacked charging, so customers access and return them just like they would with traditional shopping carts – no need for carts to be plugged in individually.