Co-op to extend taxi delivery trial
The Co-op has decided to extend trials of a free home delivery service to include one of its stores in Sefton, North Liverpool.
In July this year the Manchester-based retailer said it was unlikely to widen the trial from three stores, including Royton, in Manchester.
But today it revealed it is adding a further nine stores to the trial process, following its success so far.
These new stores include the Waterloo site, in Sefton.
The Co-op provides home delivery from 228 branches, but only for purchases made in-store.
Home delivery is free within certain postcodes for customers spending more than £25, or for £3 if they spend less, and items are delivered by Co-op vans.
But the recent trial involved taxis being hired to make deliveries to customers.
And the Co-op said it will add nine more stores by the end of the year after the retailer saw a near ten-fold uplift in average basket spend when compared with average consumer shopping trends in convenience stores.
The home delivery service proved particularly popular among those who wish to go out into the community to do their shopping, but may struggle to carry their purchases home, such as the elderly, those with limited mobility or access to transport, and parents of young families.
Chris Conway, Co-op head of food digital, said: “Retailers need to be increasingly agile in their operations, and the Co-op is committed to exploring new ways to innovate which can create increased consumer choice, ease, speed and convenience.
“While it is still very early days, the response from customers and colleagues has been extremely enthusiastic, with many ‘hailing’ the new taxi scheme and added convenience a huge success, going so far as to describe it as a lifeline which helps to overcome social isolation in our local communities.”
The Co-op’s home delivery scheme is free of charge within a five mile radius when customers spend £25 or more in-store in a single transaction.
Taxi firms are vetted to meet strict standards, with the customer agreeing a mutually convenient time for the shopping delivery, and lift home.
