A Standardized Guide to Developing an Online Grocery Store for Testing Nutrition-Related Policies and Interventions in an Online Setting

Abstract

Simulated online grocery store platforms are innovative tools for studying nutrition-related policies and point-of-selection/point-of-purchase interventions in online retail settings, yet there is no clear guidance on how to develop these platforms for experimental research. Thus, we created a standardized guide for the development of an online grocery store, including a detailed description of (1) methods for acquiring and cleaning online grocery store data, and (2) how to design a two-dimensional online grocery store experimental platform. We provide guidance on how to address product categorization, product order/sorting and product details, including how to identify outliers and conflicting nutritional information and methods for standardizing prices. We also provide details regarding our process of “tagging” food items that can be leveraged by future studies examining policies and point-of-selection/point-of-purchase interventions targeting red and processed meat and fruits and vegetables. We experienced several challenges, including obtaining accurate and up-to-date product information and images, and accounting for the presence of store-brand products. Regardless, the methodology described herein will enable researchers to examine the effects of a wide array of nutrition-related policies and interventions on food purchasing behaviors in online retail settings, and can be used as a template for reporting procedures in future research.

Using a Naturalistic Store Laboratory for Clinical Trials of Point-of-Sale Nutrition Policies and Interventions: A Feasibility and Validation Study

“…Another viable option is to conduct experiments in virtual 3D stores [38][39][40], which may facilitate faster and more affordable recruitment, although the simulated shopping environment is not as realistic as a physical store. Finally, some studies have used experimental online stores intended to replicate online grocery shopping or food ordering websites [41,42]. Online stores may also allow for faster recruitment and can be very realistic for people who typically buy groceries online; rates of online shopping have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic [43].…”

Effect of Financial Incentives and Default Options on Food Choices of Adults With Low Income in Online Retail Settings

“…After completing the survey, participants were randomized to 1 of 4 conditions and then asked to click the link to our experimental online grocery store. A detailed description of methods for acquiring and cleaning online store data and the design of our 2-dimensional platform and its validity and acceptability are published elsewhere . Briefly, we used a platform named Gorilla developed by Cauldron Science Ltd, which mimics the appearance and functionalities of a top US online grocery retailer, including browsing, search, product pages, shopping cart, and checkout.…”

Consumer behaviour and experiences in a naturalistic online grocery store: implications for nutrition research

“…At each visit, participants completed a shopping trip in one of two stores: a previously developed naturalistic (‘mock’) online grocery store (Lola's Grocery) or a popular real online grocery store (Walmart.com). Details on the development of the naturalistic store have been published previously ( 14 ) . Briefly, the naturalistic store mimics the appearance and functionalities of real online grocers, including browsing, search, product pages, sorting and filtering, and checkout.…”

“…However, conducting trials with real-world online grocers is not always feasible because retailers are often not willing or able to randomly assign consumers to different interventions. To address these challenges, we developed a naturalistic online grocery ordering platform designed to mimic a real-world online shopping experience while allowing researchers to implement nutrition interventions ( 14 ) . We have previously described the development of this store (see details below) ( 14 ) , but little is known about how consumers behave in and respond to naturalistic online grocery stores.…”

“…To address these challenges, we developed a naturalistic online grocery ordering platform designed to mimic a real-world online shopping experience while allowing researchers to implement nutrition interventions ( 14 ) . We have previously described the development of this store (see details below) ( 14 ) , but little is known about how consumers behave in and respond to naturalistic online grocery stores. Without information on consumer experiences in these settings, it is difficult to know whether naturalistic online grocery stores are a feasible, acceptable, and potentially ecologically valid venue for conducting nutrition research.…”