Convenience retailer Co-op eyes further quick commerce growth as it teams with Uber Direct

Co-op has announced expanded access to its online shop, accessed via the retailer’s app, through a new partnership with Uber Direct, Uber’s white label delivery solution.

This will enable Co-op member-owners and customers to order groceries via Co-op’s own online shop, with rapid delivery locally through Uber Eats’ delivery network.

Co-op has been growing its e-commerce business through both its own online shop and strategic partnerships.

The trial with Uber Direct will initially enable an additional 50 Co-op stores to offer quick online home delivery as the latter aims to grow the access and reach of its own online shop to around 1,000 stores by the end of the year.

The move supports its ambition to accelerate its share of the quick commerce market to more than 30%, and sits alongside its partnerships with online home delivery platforms including Uber Eats where groceries and everyday essentials are available to order from approaching 1,100 Co-op stores.

Its online strategy is centred on quick convenience from its stores which are well placed at the heart of communities, with online orders picked fresh in local stores.

Co-op has estimated that more than 80% of the UK population now has access to its products through either its own online shop or, the delivery platforms it partners with.

Chris Conway, Co-op’s E-commerce Director, says: “We have ambitious goals for the continued growth of our e-commerce business, and know that our member-owners and customers value the ease and convenience of quick and convenient online home delivery.”

“Innovation and effective partnerships are a fundamental part of our approach as we grow the reach of both our own online shop, and our work with strategic partners - offering our member-owners and customers in more communities an extensive range of groceries on-demand from Co-op’s stores locally.”

Caroline Varga, Head of Uber Direct, says: “We’re proud to work with Co-op to build on its relationship with Uber, and support its work to grow its online delivery service to its member-owners and customers.”

“Our shared focus on speed, reliability and convenience supports Co-op’s growth ambitions to offer food and drink on-demand from more of its stores via its own website or app.”

In addition to its own online shop, groceries are available from local Co-op stores through partners: Amazon; Deliveroo; Just Eat; Uber Eats and, autonomous robot deliveries via Starship Technologies.

Last month Co-op also revealed trials with Snappy Shopper in Northern Ireland.