Tired Maricopans: Your grocery shopping might be getting a whole lot easier.  

The Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission will review Monday a development permit request for a 5,600-square-foot online grocery service expansion at Walmart on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.  

Currently, customers can park in one of 10 spaces to pick up their online orders on the west side of the store, but site and floor plans submitted recently to the city’s development services department show that will change.  

The expansion is planned for the east side of the store, in an area currently partially enclosed for deliveries, with 38 dedicated parking spaces nearby. The grocery service addition will be used primarily for stock, storage and order fulfillment, meaning customers are unlikely to see any of the updates. 

The agenda item is up for discussion and public comment only; the commission will not vote to approve the expansion.

A representative from Walmart did not respond to a request for comment today.

A fast-growing service across America and in Maricopa 

Online grocery sales are now a $9.8 billion industry in the U.S., increasing more than 27% since last year.   

This is especially true for Walmart, which since June 2020 has been “increasingly capturing grocery dollars,” according to Supermarket News.  

A report showed traditional grocery stores lost two percentage points in online sales compared to discount stores like Walmart. And 25% of those shoppers who placed an online order for groceries at places like Fry’s or Basha’s, also made online purchases at Walmart, suggesting customers may at some point turn to Walmart for all purchases.  

Meanwhile, Maricopa residents told InMaricopa they’re increasingly seeking this service. 

“I’m working a 7 to 12 schedule, and my wife also works a full-time job,” said Santa Rosa Springs resident Matt Gordoa. “Having someone pick up groceries is a great idea.” 

Elizabeth Ann Reinking, from Tortosa, said it comes down to stress. 

“I personally try to avoid all shopping in Maricopa, because it seriously gives me anxiety,” she said. “I do pickups or have them delivered.”