Co-op is introducing 24-hour online grocery delivery services in Leeds, Manchester and London this month.
The decision has been made following research from Co-op, which showed that over 40% of q-comm (quick commerce) shoppers would use an 11pm to 5am delivery service if it were available.
This rises to around one in two shoppers aged between 18 and 44, with it being most popular for Gen Z shoppers (18-24), with 52.3% most likely to use a 24hr service.
“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,” explained Chris Conway, Co-op Ecommerce Director.
“We focus on ease, speed and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities. Societal behaviours including changing lifestyles and shift working is increasing the requirement for online groceries to be delivered quickly and conveniently at non-traditional times of the day.”
Leeds, Manchester and London have been selected for the launch, because there is a strong online grocery demand at non-traditional times. Stores will selected around the local demographic, the concentration of delivery driver availability and staff levels.
Groceries will be delivered through Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.
Co-op’s online grocery delivery business is one of the retailer’s fastest growing channels, providing a record number of online sales in 2023 of £311m. Additionally, last year Co-op increased its share of this market to 23% and its aims to quickly grow to over 30%, by focusing on both its own Co-op platform and Q Comm partners.
