Company says 30 jobs created

ASHLAND — Customers buying groceries at Kroger in Ashland and Russell can now order their purchases online and pick-up at the curb by the store.

The stores are the first in the Ashland area to have the high-tech service in the Ashland area.

Customers can order groceries from a computer or mobile device and pick them up at either store, at 711 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Ashland or at the Greenup Mall in Russell, at a time of their choosing.  Customers do not do not have to leave their car for pick up.

Kroger officials said it is the first time Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Division has launched its online ordering, called ClickList, at two stores on the same day.

“It’s been quite an undertaking, requiring twice the normal resources and hiring and training twice the number of associates,” Adam Coleman, e-commerce manager, said. “But it will be much more convenient for our customers to pick up groceries at either store. ClickList is saving customers time and increasing convenience.”

He said the service can reduce a 90-minute shopping experience to 20 minutes.

The company said they have created about 30 new jobs at the two stores to staff the service, including associates who shop for customers, assemble orders and deliver groceries to customers’ cars at curbside.

More than 40,000 items are available through ClickList, including fresh meat and produce.

Kentucky law prohibits the sale of alcohol and tobacco products and pharmacy prescriptions.  Hot foods and gift cards also are excluded.