Co-op hooks up with Walmart Commerce Technologies to support retailer's online grocery push

Co-op is gearing up to work with Walmart Commerce Technologies, implementing its online fulfilment technology, Store Assist, to enhance the convenience retailer’s colleague and customer experience and support quick commerce growth ambitions.

The Store Assist app allows retailers to manage pickup, third-party marketplace, ship-from-store, and last mile delivery orders all in one place.

According to those involved, a streamlined omnichannel fulfilment workflow will enhance in-store processes and operations, remove the need for colleagues to switch between quick commerce apps or different devices, and allows for faster delivery times.

Store Assist technology will have a focus on: ease of use; scalability; specialised and tailored use to meet the diverse demands of grocery fulfilment and, a unified platform to simplify systems as online orders are picked fresh in the local Co-op store, and delivered quickly and conveniently in the community.

George Hayworth, Co-op Head of Online Development, says: “Growing our share of the quick commerce market is our focus through both our own online shop and with strategic partners.”

“Our approach is centred on ease, speed and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities.”

“We are pleased to work closely with Walmart Commerce Technologies to implement the new technology that is easy to use and supports our continued growth, while further enhancing the quick and reliable service that is important to our member-owners and customers, whenever and wherever they choose to shop with us.”

Co-op estimates that more than 80% of the UK population now has access to its groceries either through its own online shop or via delivery partners including Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.