Amazon and robots key as Co-op boosts e-commerce strategy
Co-op has announced a new partnership with Amazon and an acceleration of robot deliveries.
The moves are part of the UK retailer’s plan to more than double online sales from £70 million to £200 million by the end of the year.
The partnership with Amazon gives Prime customers the ability to do their full Co-op grocery shop on Amazon UK, with same-day delivery and two-hour scheduled time slots (included with Prime membership on orders over £40, and £3.99 for orders under £40, minimum value £15).
Initially launching in Glasgow – including surrounding areas such as Hamilton and Paisley - the initiative will be rolled out to other parts of the UK before the end of the year, with an ambition that it will become a nationwide service.
Co-op has also confirmed the extension of its partnership with Starship Technologies, which was launched by the co-founders of Skype, allowing the delivery of groceries in as little as 20 minutes.
It will increase the number of autonomous vehicles operating and delivering Co-op groceries from 200 to 500 by the end of this year, bringing them to five new towns and cities, including Cambridgeshire, and extending the service into the north of England.
Shoppers using the service will be able to chose from 3,000 grocery items.
Steve Murrells, Group Chief Executive at Co-op, says: “The pandemic has accelerated changes in consumer shopping trends and we’re driving forward with exciting plans to provide rapid kerb to kitchen grocery delivery services.”
“We are delighted to be working with Amazon. Its reach and leading technology and innovative approach means greater convenience for people in their communities. This, combined with our extended partnership with Starship Technologies, marks a significant milestone in our online strategy.”
Jo Whitfield, Chief Executive at Co-op Food, comments: “Co-op stores across the country are well placed to serve shoppers locally and a key part of our strategy is to further develop our e-commerce offer by using the competitive advantage of our store footprint to provide ultra-fast home deliveries.”
“As a convenience retailer, the ability to come into stores will always be important to customers, but we also know that they want flexible options online.”
“Our commercial strategy is focused on getting closer to where they are to provide what they need, however and wherever they choose to shop with us.”
