The Co-op is responding to increased demand for quick commerce by launching a 24-hour grocery delivery service.
- Initial operations will commence in Leeds, London, and Manchester, targeting strong online grocery demand.
- The initiative includes partnerships with Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to facilitate these deliveries.
- Research indicates high interest, especially among Gen Z, for late-night delivery services.
- The service supports Co-op’s aim to capture over a third of the quick commerce market.
The Co-op is introducing an innovative 24-hour online grocery delivery programme, marking a significant step in its strategy to capitalise on the growing demand for quick commerce. This launch will initially cover selected stores in major UK cities such as Leeds, London, and Manchester. These locations were chosen based on the robust demand for online grocery deliveries outside typical business hours, the availability of delivery drivers, and the presence of stores that are already operational around the clock for stock replenishment.
Partnering with well-known e-commerce platforms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, the Co-op aims to deliver groceries efficiently and promptly. This move not only enhances its service offering but also extends the availability of online shopping in over 1,600 stores to later evening hours, aligning with the changing lifestyles and shopping habits of consumers. The retailer’s strategic decisions are part of an effort to secure more than one-third of the quick commerce market.
Recent research by Co-op reveals that over 40% of consumers interested in quick commerce would utilise a delivery service operating between 11 pm and 5 am, with interest spiking to nearly 50% among individuals aged 18 to 44. Notably, 52.3% of Gen Z shoppers, aged 18 to 24, express a preference for such services. Chris Conway, Co-op’s ecommerce director, emphasized the retailer’s commitment to meeting customer needs by saying, “Meeting the needs of our member-owners and customers is at the heart of our approach.”
The initiative reflects broader societal changes, including evolving lifestyles and increased prevalence of shift work, which drive the need for groceries to be delivered swiftly at unconventional hours. According to Co-op’s estimates, a substantial portion of the UK population now has access to its grocery services either directly through its online shop or via its delivery partners, suggesting a significant reach and potential for customer engagement in the quick commerce space.
The Co-op’s new 24-hour delivery service is a strategic move to capture a substantial share of the quick commerce market amidst evolving consumer demands.
