Online-only grocer SimonDelivers this week laid off 17 employees - approximately 6 percent of its workforce - as part of a series of efforts the retailer is making to control expenses.

According to published reports, SimonDelivers' other changes include adding fuel surcharges, establishing a minimum order amount of $50, and increasing the delivery window from two to four hours for more efficient routing. While SimonDelivers confirmed the layoffs, it declined to provide additional details.

SimonDelivers was founded in 1999 and was the first online grocer in the Twin Cities, and the only one until February 2006, when Gopher Grocery began taking orders for home delivery. Edina-based Lund Food Holdings began its Internet ordering and delivery service shortly afterward in September 2006.