Co-op has partnered with Uber Eats to offer on-demand delivery from about 1,000 stores by the end of the year.
The rollout of the service begins this week, with stores offering a range of more than 6,000 products via the Uber Eats app.
Earlier this year, Co-op extended its partnership with Uber rival Deliveroo for a further three years, announcing plans to add another 110 stores to the grocery delivery platform by Christmas, taking the total to 1,400. The available range via Deliveroo is significantly less than that offered by Uber Eats, around 2,300 products.
“As a convenience retailer, we know the ability to pop into a local Co-op will always be important to customers, but we also know that fast and flexible options online are important to shoppers too,” said Chris Conway, Co-op e-commerce director, “and so by using our stores located in the heart of communities to provide rapid home deliveries, we can meet customer needs and make shopping easier, however, wherever and whenever our members and customers choose to shop with us.”
As with Deliveroo, products are picked by Co-op staff in stores, before being collected and delivered by Uber Eats couriers.
Co-op said the service was suitable for a full grocery shops “as well as on-demand top-up and forgotten items, meal ideas and treats for evenings in at home”.
The announcement is part of a growing trend whereby retailers partner with multiple courier platforms, versus signing exclusively with one.
Earlier this month, Asda struck a deal with Deliveroo to offer on-demand grocery delivery from 300 stores by the end of the year, having worked with Uber Eats since 2020.
“Our mission is to be the platform of choice across the UK, and with this partnership, more customers will be able to order all their grocery needs at the touch of the button,” said Alex Troughton, head of commerce at Uber Eats UK. “So whether you are in need of some dinner inspiration or looking to do the weekly shop, Uber Eats and Co-op have got you covered.”
Co-op’s total online offering – covering both its own website and partner platforms – has seen more than 40 consecutive months of growth, with ambitions to increase the online business to £300m this year.
“The channel reaches new customers and increases access to Co-op’s products, with further opportunities for quick-convenience growth seen among urban and high-density populations; smaller or single households; shoppers without access to their own vehicle or who are looking to cut short journeys; and time-squeezed shoppers,” the convenience retailer said.
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