Health

Team of college students builds online shopping tool INSTOK with downtime

SUDBURY, Mass. — In Sudbury, college senior Emma Arrighini found herself in the same position as thousands of other students this summer.

“I was pretty bummed out to have applied and send out all these applications and even do some interviews just to have it all fall through,” said Emma Arrighini.

Through the pandemic, she saw a need -- for others and herself.

“I think I chose the path that this is a window of opportunity that I could make a difference,” Arrighini said.

The Bucknell University senior connected with other students from the University of Texas.

The team of eight built and maintains the website “INSTOK,” which aggregates inventory in stores.

“When you’re looking to buy something at your local CVS – Target, Wal-Mart – you would type in the product you are looking for and the local stores that carry that product will appear,” said Arrighini.

During the COVID-19 crisis, it’s been a valuable tool in tracking down items in short supply like cleaning products, disinfecting sprays and beyond.

“There’s random items such as bikes, PC parts and fitness equipment,” said Arrighini.

It’s been a lot more popular than expected.

“We’ve actually now had over 800,000 users,” said Arrighini.

The team also built a tool to help the many new online shoppers they’ve noticed through the pandemic.

“When you look at a specific item a little octoshop icon will pop up…indicating how much you can save if you purchase this item at another store,” said Arrighini.

So, despite the obstacles, there’s been plenty of lessons learning this summer for Arrighini.

Embrace the unexpected, you never know where it may lead.

“When I graduate maybe this is something I can do full time. We’ll see the trajectory of how much we can accomplish,” said Arrighini.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV