NB Liquor to offer online orders for pick-up, home delivery

NB Liquor will soon follow the lead of other jurisdictions and offer online ordering and home delivery, the corporation announced on Thursday.

The programs are designed to be customer-focused,spokesman MarkBarbourtold CBC News.

A new webpagewilloffer a "Click and Collect" program, likely by the end of the year, or early 2017, said Barbour.

It will givecustomers the ability to shop online and then, 48 to 72 hours later, pick up their order at the NB Liquor store of their choice, he said.

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The second phase of the program will providehome delivery for a fee. It is expected to be implemented by the summer of 2017, saidBarbour.

"You would be able to go online, place your order, select delivery option for a fee, you'll also be able to to have that product delivered at home."

Barbour said the delivery would take from two to four days.

A tender will be issued for the delivery portion of the program. The delivery person will ensure the person receiving the order is over the age of 19, Barbour said.

The wait time of 48 to 72 hours is part of the corporation's social responsibility to avoid impulse buyers, he explained.

Similar services are offered in other provinces, including Ontario.

NB Liquor also has a new store in Moncton on Elmwood Drive with a new design and layout that offers a "better flow," said Barbour.

Similar stores opened in Saint John last March and St. Andrews over the summer, he said.

NB Liquor customers in Moncton met the idea with mixed reviews.

Bob Cormier of Irishtown said he might consider using a home delivery service.

"Possibly, it depends on the price, where I live in a rural area, it might cost too much to deliver over there."

It's unlikely Suzanne McCabe will take advantage of the new program. She said for starters, her computer isn't currently working.

"I don't order anything online, I like going to the store, I'm primitive, from the old school," said McCabe with a laugh.

But to others like Kendall Ballard, there is a reason it might work.

"Saves people from travelling, drinking and driving. Itkeeps them at home."