Shufersal Raises Delivery Fees by 20% Amid Rising Operational Costs

Shufersal, one of Israel's leading supermarket chains, has increased its online delivery fees by 20%, raising the charge from 29.90 to 35.90 shekels. This adjustment follows similar hikes by other major retailers such as Rami Levy, Victory, Mahsanei HaShuk, and Hatzi Hinam, leaving only Carrefour, Tiv Taam, and Keshet Taam as the few chains yet to raise delivery prices. The increase reflects broader inflationary pressures affecting food, beverages, cleaning, and personal care products, now extending to delivery costs.

Retailers attribute the delivery fee hikes to rising prices charged by delivery contractors, a shortage of delivery drivers, and delays in obtaining approvals to bring drivers from India. They also note that delivery operations are not profitable, compelling them to pass some of the increased costs to consumers. Self-pickup options are no longer always cheaper, with Shufersal charging a service fee of 15 shekels for orders up to 750 shekels and 10 shekels for larger orders. Minimum order requirements for delivery typically range between 250 and 350 shekels across most chains.

In response to the fee increase, Shufersal has launched a new online-only coupon program offering 50% discounts on select popular products such as six-packs of Coca-Cola, Mateo olive oil, Huggies wipes, Starkist tuna packs, and Fitness crackers. However, these coupons come with several restrictions, including a limit of two uses, mandatory pre-loading before payment, validity only for deliveries Sunday through Tuesday between July 4 and 7, and a minimum order of 399 shekels from the supermarket category. Changing the delivery date after ordering cancels the discount.

Other chains like Victory and Mahsanei HaShuk continue to offer free delivery on Sundays and occasional promotions for free or discounted shipping. Shufersal emphasized that despite the fee increase, it continues to subsidize delivery costs as part of its commitment to customers. The rising delivery fees add to the overall cost of living, increasing expenses not only for groceries but also for their home delivery.

Summary: Shufersal has raised its online delivery fees by 20% due to higher operational and shipping costs, joining other Israeli supermarket chains in increasing delivery charges. To offset the impact, Shufersal introduced a limited coupon program offering discounts on select products, but delivery fees remain a growing burden for consumers amid ongoing inflation.