Co-op preps new Lab Store launch in Salford Media City
Co-op is gearing up to open its fourth Lab Store, where it will test ideas in real situations, get feedback, analyse results and adapt for future roll-out.
The other three stores are in Codshall, Marsh and York
Ian McCutcheon, Head of Format Development at Co-op, tweeted: “Great day with the teams in @coopuk. Salford Media City reviewing our new store.”
“The store will be our 4th Lab store and show some of our latest innovation thinking. Well done to everyone involved to get us to this point. T-6 days to go!”
Walking deliveries and Starship Technologies robots
Co-op says it is the first UK supermarket to launch walking deliveries for households and workplaces up to a 15 minute walk from its stores.
This is expected to operate from 200 stores this year following trials in Cornwall.
The pilot has seen shoppers use the service for top-up shopping, forgotten items and treats and meals for evenings at home.
The roll-out is set to include smaller towns and rural villages often considered offline by rapid home delivery providers who have a focus on dense urban hubs.
Robots also form a key part of Co-op’s plans, with home delivery robots taking to the streets of Cambridge for the first time this month in partnership with Starship Technologies.
Chris Conway, Co-op’s eCommerce Director, says: “Making shopping quick, easy and convenient for our Members and customers is at the very heart of our approach, our aim is to be the most convenient home delivery service and we continue to innovate to meet the needs of consumers.”
“Co-op stores across the country are well placed to serve shoppers locally and a key part of our strategy is to develop our e-commerce offer, using the competitive advantage of our store footprint to provide fast home deliveries, Click and Collect and added services.”
“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 they want flexible options online, and so we continue to work to meet customer needs, however, and wherever they choose to shop with us.”
