Alana Richards
IGA Pier Street, Altona is making it easier to get your groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic with its ‘Groceries on the Run’ service.
Owner Hitesh Palta, who took over the store early this year, says Groceries on the Run gives residents a safer and smarter way to shop.
The initiative started last Thursday and will run until May 22. It will be available Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am to 4pm.
“You don’t even need to leave your car,” Hitesh says. “We bring your groceries and a card payment machine right to you.
“All you have to do to order Groceries on the Run is send a descriptive email to igapierst@gmail.com with a pantry list of grocery items, include your name and mobile number and we will do the rest.
“A team member does the shopping for you and advises of any items not available, which can be substituted upon request.
“A collection time is then confirmed and the customer heads to the designated drive-through to pick up and pay for their order.”
Hitesh says the team at IGA Pier Street Altona has a strong focus on local shoppers, supporting elderly shoppers in particular, and was the first supermarket to introduce an elderly-only shopping hour in the early stages of the pandemic. Many supermarkets have since followed IGA’s lead.
The business has also introduced 10 per cent off for seniors every Thursday.
“Seniors simply have to produce their valid Seniors card on a Thursday to receive an additional 10 per cent off their shopping total,” Hitesh explains. “This does exclude tobacco and any current promotions but it’s a great way for our seniors to save some money by shopping locally during this time.”
Combining care and support for elderly residents with stricter safety measures tailored for COVID-19, including more frequent store cleaning, plexiglass at the registers, a social distancing-friendly layout and contactless shopping, IGA Pier Street, Altona is an ideal choice for shoppers wanting to support local business.
“Many of the friendly faces that locals know and love are still working here, ready to help safely complete your shopping list during these unique times,” Hitesh says.
“If you haven’t already checked out our newly renovated supermarket, complete with café, liquor department and new plant section, come and say hi –socially distancing, of course!”
Altona IGA plus Liquor, 103/110 Pier Street, Altona. Opens 7am-7.30pm Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm Saturday and 9am-6pm Sunday. Inquiries: 9017 7855 or facebook.com/igapierstaltona/
Email Grocery on the Run orders to igapierst@gmail.com
