Fast-shop nation

Many consumers see grocery shopping as a time-consuming chore. Online shopping works well for items that are easily sent by post, but online grocery shopping remains expensive, because home-delivery costs are high Another disadvantage is that delivery is mainly offered during traditional working hours, between approximately 9 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday. This makes the service inconvenient for many people in full-time employment.

Now, food retailer Chronodrive combines the best of several business models. Thanks to a cooperation with the French supermarket chain Groupe Auchan, Chronodrive offers between 5,000 and 7,000 food and household products, including fruit, vegetables and bread, at drive-through supermarkets.

Customers can choose and pay for items online. The orders are ready within two hours. Alternatively, shoppers can simply determine a time when they will pick up their groceries. Chronodrive employees bring the pre-ordered items to the car within five minutes of the customer's arrival. Last-minute shoppers can order items at terminals similar to those at fast-food chains.

“We want to be as well known as McDonald’s." Ludovic Duprez

“We want to be as well known as McDonald’s in our business," Ludovic Duprez, one of Chronodrive's founders, told The Wall Street Journal. The company has recently opened its 16th drive-through, and plans to have twice that number by the end of next year.