Co-op responds to a growing demand for rapid delivery by launching a 24-hour grocery delivery service in major cities.
- Starting this month, the service will be available in Leeds, London, and Manchester, focusing on high-demand, non-traditional times.
- Deliveries will be facilitated through partnerships with Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
- The initiative aims to expand Co-op’s share in the quick commerce market, targeting over one-third market control.
- Research by Co-op highlights a strong interest in late-night deliveries, particularly among younger demographics.
The Co-op is launching a new 24-hour online grocery delivery service in response to the increasing demand for rapid delivery solutions. This innovative service is set to commence in Leeds, London, and Manchester, where there is substantial demand for online groceries during non-traditional hours. These locations were chosen based on demographic studies, the availability of delivery drivers, and existing round-the-clock staffing for stock replenishment.
Deliveries will be managed through Co-op’s e-commerce partners, including Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. In addition to the around-the-clock service, Co-op has also widened its online availability across more than 1,600 stores during their regular opening hours, offering customers the convenience of shopping later into the night. This strategic move underlines Co-op’s ambition to secure more than a one-third share of the quick commerce market.
Recent research conducted by Co-op indicates that over 40% of consumers engaged in quick commerce are interested in delivery services operating between 11 PM and 5 AM. This percentage increases significantly among those aged 18 to 44, reaching a peak interest of 52.3% among Gen Z consumers aged 18 to 24. This data driven approach emphasizes Co-op’s strategic focus on addressing evolving consumer behaviors and preferences.
Chris Conway, Co-op’s e-commerce director, stated, “Meeting the needs of our member-owners and customers is at the heart of our approach and is aligned to our strategy to grow our share of the quick commerce market through both our own online shop and strategic partnerships.” He noted that the convenience of local stores, coupled with the demand for speed and ease, will benefit from the company’s new service model.
With this initiative, Co-op estimates that over 80% of the UK population will soon have access to its groceries by utilizing either Co-op’s own online platform or those of its delivery partners. This expansion aligns with Co-op’s goal of enhancing convenience for shift workers and others with changing lifestyle needs, who require grocery delivery at unconventional hours.
Co-op’s strategic expansion into 24-hour grocery delivery demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to meeting evolving consumer demands.
