Nisa Heysham

Stand and deliver

Lancashire retailer James Brown has seen customer demand for home delivery continue to grow.

James Brown, who owns 850sq ft Beech Stores in Heysham, Lancashire, is reaping the rewards of introducing a home delivery service in response to the pandemic.

The retailer has seen customer demand continue to grow, with 22% of weekly turnover now coming via delivery orders.

Brown said: “We realised that we needed to do more to support our customers, especially the vulnerable so we set up a home delivery service where customers could order by phone and have their shopping delivered to their homes with minimal contact. The service was very well received by customers.”

Brown now promises a 30-minute delivery window, enabling shoppers to place their orders and receive their shopping within half an hour.

The retailer has also upgraded the store’s ordering system and invested in a technological solution to further improve the service to shoppers, as well as make it more efficient to manage.

Brown said: “We researched options and decided to partner with Zeus Labs to integrate an app into our Facebook page, speeding up the process and freeing-up staff to pick the products and serve customers.

“It’s easy to use, there are no surcharges to the customer and no need to inflate prices to cover the costs. This means that we can offer everyday items at the same prices regardless of whether they are being delivered or collected by the customer.”

In addition, the store now operates two branded vehicles, promoting the service and the 30-minute delivery promise.

“The store is a vital part of the local community, and we aim to provide fantastic customer service – be that in the store itself or via our delivery service,” said Brown.