H-E-B Curbside May Cost More Than In-Store Shopping

The Evolution of Curbside Pickup at H-E-B

In 2021, H-E-B made a significant announcement regarding its curbside pickup service. The company decided to eliminate the $4.95 fee for orders with a minimum purchase of $35. This change was welcomed by many customers who appreciated the convenience of picking up groceries without having to navigate crowded stores or pay additional fees. However, for orders that fell below this threshold, a $2.95 small basket surcharge still applied.

This shift in policy highlighted the growing popularity of curbside pickup as a preferred alternative to traditional in-store shopping. Many customers found the service beneficial, especially during busy times when entering a store could be overwhelming. Despite these advantages, some shoppers have recently raised questions about whether curbside prices have increased compared to in-store prices.

H-E-B's Stance on Pricing

When DISCOVER TRENDS asked H-E-B about potential changes in curbside pricing, a spokesperson confirmed that the service remains competitively priced. This is not unique to H-E-B, as other major grocers like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart also offer similar services. The spokesperson emphasized that while online and in-store prices may vary, H-E-B is committed to providing some of the lowest prices in the state.

"At H-E-B, we are always evaluating our operations and regularly make updates across the business," the spokesperson said. "To support our digital services, prices may vary from online and in-store. Curbside and Home Delivery remain competitively priced, and we are committed to offering our customers some of the lowest prices in the state for our products and services."

Price Discrepancies Observed

Despite H-E-B's claims, some customers have noticed price differences between curbside and in-store purchases. At the South Congress H-E-B store in Austin, for example, a curbside order came out to $35.61, while the same items purchased in-store totaled $32.66. This discrepancy was evident in several items, such as Sushiya's spicy crab onigiri, which cost $4.19 through curbside but only $3.99 in-store. Another instance involved Peyton's beef chorizo, priced at $3.64 for an 8-ounce pack via curbside versus $3.47 in-store.

For some customers, these small price increases are worth the convenience of avoiding the hassle of in-store shopping. While H-E-B stores can be easier to navigate during off-peak hours, their peak times can be challenging to avoid. For those with busy schedules, curbside pickup offers a quick and efficient way to grab groceries without the stress of navigating crowded aisles or dealing with restrictive policies like the "service animals only" rule.

The Value of In-Store Shopping

While curbside pickup has its benefits, many shoppers still prefer the in-store experience. For budget-conscious customers, shopping in person allows for better control over expenses. Additionally, in-store shopping can provide opportunities to discover new products through samples and visually appealing displays. For example, the South Congress H-E-B store recently featured a pumpkin patch by the produce section, complete with a scarecrow for photo opportunities.

Conclusion

As grocery costs continue to rise, the choice between curbside pickup and in-store shopping becomes increasingly important. While H-E-B maintains that its curbside service is competitively priced, individual experiences may vary. For some, the convenience of curbside is worth the minor price difference, while others find value in the personal touch of in-store shopping. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and lifestyle needs.