The Co-op is to partner with Walmart Commerce Technologies to implement its online fulfilment technology, ‘Store Assist’, to further enhance the convenience retailer’s colleague and customer experience.
The new technology also looks to further support Co-op’s quick commerce growth ambitions of reaching more than one-third share of the QComm market.
The app will allow retailers to manage pickup, third-party marketplace, ship-from-store, and last-mile delivery orders in one place to enhance in-store processes and operations, remove the need for colleagues to switch between quick commerce apps or different devices, and allow for faster delivery times.
Co-op head of online development George Hayworth said that the change will allow for “one simple picking process”.
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“One of the biggest things that colleagues were telling us is that if you’ve got all these devices, they weren’t sure which one to pick first. What this application will do is prioritise these orders for the public so they know exactly what they need to pick in what order.”
This will be based on the number of items, how long there is left to pick it, how far the rider is away from the store, and also prevent rejections from taking place.
Hayworth explained: “We are pleased to work closely with Walmart Commerce Technologies to implement the new technology that is easy to use and supports our continued growth, while further enhancing the quick and reliable service that is important to our member-owners and customers, whenever and wherever they choose to shop with us.”
Co-op estimates that more than 80% of the UK population now has access to its groceries, either through its own online shop or via its delivery partners, which include Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
“Growing our share of the quick commerce market is our focus through both our own online shop and with strategic partners. Our approach is centred on ease, speed and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities,” Hayworth added.
