H-E-B Grocery Launches Ecommerce-Ready Mobile Apps

Need to Know 

• H-E-B launched a new mobile experience for its customers, an app that allows customers to opt for curbside pick-up and home delivery. 
• H-E-B will be available at 200 locations by the end of 2019
• The App includes saving options including in-app and in-store coupons
• The app will notify the user of missed applicable coupons. For that shopping in-store, clipped coupons are saved in the app in a single scannable barcode. 
• The chain is also working with Apple and Salesforce on internal apps focused on logistics, transportation and other behind-the-scenes aspects of its business; reducing costs and streamlining operational efficiencies 

Analysis

Supermarket chain H-E-B brings convenience to the hands of its customers with their revamped mobile app, streamlining both the in-store and online experience. 

The recent updates to ‘My H-E-B’ now provide customers with options of curbside pick-up, home delivery and for those opting for in-store, coupon clipping, redemption and enhanced searching functions. The new app also allows customers to shop directly in the app, a feature not available in previous versions. 

 “The new My H-E-B mobile app is a perfect example of how we are investing in new technologies to enhance our digital services and establish H-E-B as a digital retail leader,” said Jag Bath, H-E-B chief digital officer in a statement. “We continue to grow our talented H-E-B Digital team in Austin and at our company headquarters in San Antonio to deliver on this investment and provide the best possible digital experience to our customers and partners.”

As the consumer shifts to digital, H-E-B’s updates are in line with mobile grocery trends. eMarketer reported in 2018 that 18.0 million US adults use a grocery app at least once a month, up nearly 50% over last year. Also predicting that, by the end of 2019, more than one in five adult smartphone e-commerce buyers will use a grocery app to order food.  

“This is just the beginning of how we’re looking to redefine how our customers shop with us. Our goal is to create an easier, more enjoyable shopping experience,” Mike Georgoff, chief product officer of H-E-B Digital, said in a statement. “We will continue to enhance our digital services to complement our brick-and-mortar stores, giving customers more convenient ways to shop.” 

H-E-B’s well-rounded customer experience focus expands beyond tech. In February the retailer opened a 92,000-square-foot, two-story location in Houston, Texas. Offering more than just groceries the superstore came equipped with instagrammable moments, a true “foodie wonderland”. Just this week the retailer announced a $200 million dollar investment in various projects centered around Austin, Texas.  

My H-E-B is currently available for both iOS and Android users via the Apple App Store or Google Play.