Out the Box

Asda trials one-hour personal shopper service

New feature allows customers to communicate directly with a ‘personal shopper’ whilst in store.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

Asda has partnered with buymie, a platform that boasts a network of personal shoppers that will exclusively pick, pack and deliver orders for customers.

The new ‘thing’ is twofold; the ‘personal shopper’ experience, combined with a one-hour delivery within a threemile radius, to start with.

“The trial in Leeds and Bristol will give access to our full online range and a ‘personal shopper’ experience for bigger basket shops through buymie’s interactive platform,” Asda Senior Vice President of e-Commerce Simon Gregg said.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Customers in Bristol can place orders via the existing buymie app, whilst those in Leeds have to download the new ‘Asda Express powered by buymie’ app, created for the three-month trial.

Shoppers can then scroll through the app aisles to select their groceries, and buymie’s shopper will then pick them and pack them.

Groceries are then delivered at a time of choice, but the big attraction is the one-hour option.

There is no limit on the number of items that can be ordered with delivery fees ranging from £3.49 to £4.99. What’s more, for a limited time, delivery will be free on orders of £50 or more to mark the launch.

“By partnering with buymie we are able to offer express delivery in more locations more quickly, without the need to implement new technology, infrastructure or cause disruption to our store teams,” Gregg added.

COULD THIS CATCH ON?

The recent Covid lockdowns accelerated retailers’ investment in technology in order to facilitate speedy deliveries; the trend is unlikely to suddenly stop now.

If successful, Asda is planning to roll out the service further than the stores it is currently available, namely Longwell, Bedminster, Filton, and Patchway in Bristol, along with Killingbeck, Harehills, Kirkstall, Wortley, Beeston, and Middleton in Leeds.