The Co-op introduces a new 24-hour grocery delivery service to address growing demand for late-night shopping.
- The service is debuting in London, Leeds, and Manchester, targeting areas with high online grocery interest.
- Partnering with Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats ensures efficient delivery to customers around the clock.
- The strategic initiative aligns with Co-op’s goal to capture over one-third of the quick commerce market.
- Recent Co-op research indicates strong interest in night-time delivery among younger demographics, particularly Gen Z.
In response to an increasing demand for rapid grocery delivery, the Co-op is introducing a 24-hour online service for city center shoppers. This ambitious rollout, commencing this month, is set to launch in high-demand urban areas such as London, Leeds, and Manchester. These locations have been strategically selected based on demographic considerations, delivery driver availability, and continuous staffing for store replenishments. The move underscores Co-op’s commitment to adapting to changing consumer habits and ensuring accessibility to groceries at any time of day or night.
Shoppers will benefit from groceries delivered by the Co-op’s ecommerce partners—Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats—enabling seamless and swift delivery services. This effort not only enhances convenience for consumers but also aligns with Co-op’s ambition to capture a substantial share of the quick commerce market, aiming at achieving over one-third participation.
Additionally, the supermarket chain has broadened its online delivery availability to over 1,600 outlets within existing operational hours. This decision supports shoppers who prefer to make purchases later in the day, facilitating a more flexible shopping experience. The extended hours reflect a strategic effort to cater to modern lifestyles, where non-traditional shopping times are becoming more prevalent.
Research from Co-op highlights a remarkable willingness among more than 40% of quick commerce customers to utilize delivery services between 11 PM and 5 AM. This enthusiasm is even more pronounced among younger consumers, with nearly half of those aged 18 to 44 expressing interest in night-time deliveries. Notably, the service has gained traction among Gen Z, with 52.3% showing preference for these unconventional hours.
Chris Conway, Co-op’s ecommerce director, articulated the organization’s strategy, stating: “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 partners.” His sentiments echo Co-op’s broader vision to prioritize ease, speed, and convenience, leveraging their central community locations to meet these objectives. Moreover, Co-op anticipates reaching over 80% of the UK population through their expanded online presence, facilitated either directly through their platform or via delivery partners.
This initiative marks a significant step in adapting to the evolving needs of modern shoppers, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
