They came from Le Shop, a virtual grocery store with nearly 2,000 products in stock, ranging from pasta, shampoo, and fondue mix to salsa. Like thousands of other Le Shop clients across Switzerland, I received the order through the post office, a service which, so far, is unique in Europe. While a few supermarkets in the United States are trying out online ordering, such innovations face a tougher time in Europe, where buying fresh products is practically a religion.
Many people are accustomed to shopping every day for fresh milk, cheese, and bread.
Le Shop is a new Internet grocery shopping venture in Switzerland, offering deliveries nationwide within 24 hours. It has more than 6,000 registered users to date. Most food shops in the country close early. Mr. Nicod selected the post office over other delivery bidders because of its reputation. Though traditionally a state-run enterprise, the Swiss postal service has a high degree of efficiency.