While shopping at HEB, shoppers can now also find nearby dog walkers, groomers, pet sitters, trainers, cleaners and landscapers through a partnership with Thumbtack.
Thumbtack, which connects customers with professional service providers like plumbers and electricians, is rolling out displays in more than 300 HEB stores across Texas. Shoppers use their mobile phone to scan a QR code on the displays to find animal services near them.
Certain HEB stores also have Thumbtack’s “On Demand” feature, which connects shoppers to local home improvement, lawn care companies and cleaning services at a 10 percent discount. The partnership marks San Francisco-based Thumbtack’s first foray into retail and reflects San Antonio-based HEB’s broader push to expand into additional categories outside of grocery.
“Thumbtack’s mission is to make taking care of everything in and around the home a seamless experience for the homeowner,” said David Steckel, senior director of strategic partnerships at Thumbtack. “Expansion into physical retail takes us a step closer to that by enabling us to be a partner to consumers, whether they’re shopping in-store for their pets or preparing their yard for housing.”
HEB and other grocers are installing more in-store departments and services to increase traffic, sales and profits, and diversify revenue streams in an industry known for razor-thin profit margins. Some of the categories are more profitable than groceries and result in shoppers spending more time in stores.
The San Antonio-based company has added Home by HEB sections including throw pillows, rugs, vases, chairs and table linens; HEB brand shops with t-shirts, socks and baby clothes; True Texas BBQ restaurants; bars serving beer, wine and cocktails; and health clinics with primary care and nutritional services.
The HEB store at US 281 and Evans Road has a beauty department with cosmetics, hair products and testing stations. The company also has small shops in some of its stores, such as Mia’s Mirror, Bonita Brows Bar, Diamond Decks, and River City Flooring.
madison.iszler@express-news.net
