Hy-Vee is betting big on convenience, with construction projects underway to support more fresh-cut produce, meal kits, prepared meals, e-commerce and faster in-store shopping.
The Des Moines, Iowa-based retailer is building a 48,000-square foot facility to support its Short Cuts fresh-cut produce program; a 240,000-square foot facility to support meal kits and prepared foods; and 10,000-square foot Fast & Fresh “convenience and meal solutions” stores that will include grocery items and prepared foods.
“This fiscal year, we have approved one of our largest capital expenditure budgets in our company’s history to make sure we are not only meeting our customers’ needs, but fulfilling their wants, now and in the future,” chairman, CEO and president Randy Edeker said in a news release. “We’ve studied customer habits and lifestyles and know that fewer people are cooking meals at home than ever before. We want our offerings to help individuals who are looking for something healthy to eat on the go as well as families who want to enjoy a sit-down meal that they can easily claim as their own.”
In addition, Hy-Vee plans to keep investing in e-commerce, with three fulfillment centers in the works.
The retailer is also moving several of its restaurants to a Hy-Vee Market Express format, where customers can quickly order and pay at a pay station before they eat.