Virtual Grocery Shopping Returns to Philly-Area Train Stations

Interactive grocery advertisements at 15 SEPTA train stations were successful enough in a three-month trial earlier this year that grocery-delivery company Peapod last weekend restored the "virtual grocery stores" indefinitely.

More than 100 such ads are now in place at stations in Chicago and the New York-to-Washington corridor, which show items available for online order and let commuters scan corresponding codes with their smart phones.

Peapod's research suggests an average commute of on hour in its markets. Said Peapod chief operating officer Mike Brennan, "Our hope is that consumers will take advantage of our virtual stores and mobile app while they’re on the go and enjoy the time saved when they’re at home.

In a trial period February through May, ads in select SEPTA stations — including Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Radnor, Media, Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West — increased downloads of Peapod's mobile app and sales of the products depicted on the billboards, according to the company's figures.

The ads provide access to a sampling of Peapod's more than 11,000 grocery products, typically "staples like coffee, condiments and cleaning products; soft drinks, snacks and cereal; milk and bread; health and beauty products; and fresh fruits and vegetables," according to the company.

For more information, call 800-5-PEAPOD (800-573-2763), email service@peapod.com or visit www.peapod.com.

The full list of participating SEPTA stations follows:

• Bryn Mawr
• Villanova
• Radnor
• Ardmore
• Chestnut Hill East
• Chestnut Hill West
• Jenkintown
• Media
• Elkins Park
• Yardley
• Swarthmore
• Lansdale
• Ambler
• North Wales
• Glenside