Shop While You Stop: The Next Trend in Grocery Shopping

Eric Jaffe writes on the appearance of the grocery store of the future in an unlikely place, Philadelphia's SEPTA transit stations.

1 minute read

February 25, 2012, 9:00 AM PST

By Alesia Hsiao

Since early February, certain SEPTA stations in Philadelphia have offered transit passengers the ability to shop for groceries while they wait for their next train through an app connected to the online grocer Peapod.

Jaffe explains, "while awaiting a train, users can download the Peapod app, peruse the items in front of them, and scan the barcode of anything they'd like to purchase. The groceries are delivered to their homes later that day."

While virtual shopping has already made an appearance in other international cities, with Peapod operating in 24 U.S. cities, if it catches on in Philadelphia it could potentially expand throughout the country.

Some challenges that will be considered for future applications are poor internet connections in underground subway systems and the availability of space for virtual shopping aisle images.

FULL STORY: The Grocery Store of the Future?

Thursday, February 23, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

Technology Pennsylvania Philadelphia SEPTA Peapod virtual grocery shopping View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.