Co-op has announced a significant expansion in its grocery delivery services, introducing 24-hour operations in three major UK cities.
- Research indicated over 40% of quick commerce shoppers favour late-night delivery options, prompting Co-op’s new service.
- Gen Z shoppers emerged as the primary users, with a notable 52.3% indicating preference for 24-hour delivery.
- Chris Conway, Co-op’s Ecommerce Director, emphasized alignment with customer needs and strategic growth in quick commerce.
- Deliveries will be handled by Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats across strategically chosen locations within Leeds, Manchester, and London.
Co-op is embarking on a strategic enhancement of its grocery delivery service by launching a 24-hour online delivery option in Leeds, Manchester, and London. This move is grounded in recent research commissioned by Co-op, which reveals that over 40% of quick commerce (q-comm) shoppers express interest in deliveries between the late night and early morning hours, specifically between 11pm and 5am.
The data highlights a significant demographic inclination, particularly among Gen Z shoppers aged 18-24, with 52.3% expressing a preference for such a service. This demographic’s rising demand is a crucial factor underpinning Co-op’s latest logistical venture, aiming to cater to evolving societal behaviours which favour convenience and round-the-clock service accessibility.
Chris Conway, the Ecommerce Director at Co-op, articulated the initiative as being ‘at the heart of our approach’ to meeting consumer demands while simultaneously expanding Co-op’s market share in quick commerce. He noted that societal trends, inclusive of changing lifestyles and increased shift work, are intensifying the need for grocery delivery at non-traditional hours.
The geographic rollout targets Leeds, Manchester, and London due to these cities’ high demand for online grocery services during atypical hours. Each location was chosen based on demographic concentrations favourable to Co-op’s service capabilities, combined with robust delivery driver availability and optimal staffing levels within the stores.
The logistics of this service will be managed through partnerships with well-known platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. This collaboration highlights Co-op’s multifaceted strategy to leverage both its internal capabilities and external networks, aiming for a comprehensive service delivery model.
The introduction of 24-hour grocery delivery by Co-op marks a pivotal step in adapting to consumer needs and expanding its market presence.
