Digital dominance

H-E-B bags No. 1 ranking for best online grocery experience

Yet again, H-E-B shows why it's a super market.

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

It hardly seems possible, but Texas’ favorite grocer, San Antonio-based H-E-B, has put yet another accolade in its basket.

A study by research company Ipsos finds that H-E-B leads 14 major grocery chains in the U.S. for customer satisfaction with e-commerce offerings. H-E-B earns praise for in-stock availability, ability to schedule pickup times, and good instructions for order pickup. It also earns kudos for a high level of order accuracy, no fees or minimum fees, and excellent communication.

In May, H-E-B rolled out free curbside pickup at more than 250 stores in Texas. H-E-B no longer charges a $4.95 fee for a curbside pickup order, as long as a minimum purchase of $35 is made. (Orders must be at least $35 before taxes, discounts, promotions, or coupons. A $2.95 fee is imposed for orders less than $35.)

H-E-B launched curbside service in 2015. Three years earlier, H-E-B began selling items online. The first e-commerce purchase was a custom-made cake.

In 2018, H-E-B stepped up its e-commerce game with the acquisition of the Austin-based Favor delivery service. Favor now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of H-E-B.

Florida-based grocer Publix nailed down the No. 2 spot in the Ipsos study, with Germany-based Aldi grocer landing at No. 3.

“As we continue to see the adoption and usage of digital offerings rise, it is critical for brands to ensure a seamless and safe end-to-end e-commerce experience to keep customers coming back,” Carlos Aragon, vice president of Ipsos Channel Performance, says in a July news release. “Knowing which brands are leading the pack — and more importantly, why — is critical to succeeding in the e-commerce economy.”

Ipsos based the rankings on feedback from 2,000 American consumers, as well as 100 mystery shopping experiences for each brand.

supermarkets rankings technology shopping

Weed News

Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas files bill protecting cannabis

Redheaded Blackbelt

Let's make it legal.

Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistant and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana