2 minute read
The Week in Retail 106
by 55 North
Back to the future
Co-op has unveiled its concept of ‘quick convenience’ as it expands its delivery service.
The Co-op is introducing the next step in its roll-out of what it calls ‘quick convenience’ by becoming the first supermarket to launch walking deliveries and expanding its use of robots.
WHAT’S THE CONCEPT?
As the retailer aims to grow its online business in 2022 by a further 50% to £300m, the move is expected to help expand its online services.
Following successful trials in Cornwall, walking deliveries will be offered from 200 stores this year to include smaller towns and rural villages, often considered ‘offline’ by other rapid home delivery providers.
What’s more, the retailer is partnering with Starship Technologies to introduce its home delivery robots in Cambridge – following a successful trial in Milton Keynes and Northampton.
WHY WALKING DELIVERIES?
Co-op takes pride in its footprint in local communities and that might just give it the edge when it comes to this new – yet old – concept.
The service is expected to appeal to homes with vulnerable or housebound residents, or parents of young children.
The initial trial saw shoppers use the service for top-up shopping, forgotten items, as well as treats and meals for evenings at home.
“Co-op stores across the country are well placed to serve shoppers locally and a key part of our strategy is to develop our ecommerce offer, using the competitive advantage of our store footprint to provide fast home deliveries, click and collect and added services,” Chris Conway, Co-op’s eCommerce Director, said.
“We know that as a convenience retailer, the ability to pop into a local Co-op will always be important to customers, but we also know that timepressed shoppers also want flexible options online, and so we continue to work to meet customer needs, however, and wherever they choose to shop with us.”
AND WHAT ABOUT THE ROBOTS?
For those who have been Milton Keynes or Northampton residents, those little R2D2-like robots are a familiar sight by now.
It is now quite commonplace and their introduction in Cambridge is bound to bring smiles and confusion in equal measure.
The move also supports Cambridgeshire County Council’s environmental agenda which includes a focus on reducing short car journeys and improving air quality in communities.
