The Co-op is extending the use of robot deliveries across the Milton Keynes area due to demand for the service almost doubling since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
The convenience retailer became the first to trial same-day autonomous robot deliveries in the UK when it teamed up with Starship Technologies in April 2018.
The service has now been made available from eight Co-op stores, with six new stores added since March. Starship has waived its delivery charge for NHS workers during the lockdown period, with the robots also programmed to pause to ‘clap and cheer’ at 8pm on Thursday evenings when the country thanks carers and key workers.
In addition to an increase in the number of customers using robot deliveries since the start of lockdown, the Co-op highlighted that value of transactions has risen four-fold. The service has been described as a lifeline for vulnerable or housebound members of the community.
The society has also focussed on developing the range of products available through robot delivery, with shoppers now able to select from around 1,000 everyday essential products.
Jason Perry, Co-op Head of Online Development, said: “Quality, ease and convenience is at the core of our approach and we continue to innovate and expand access to our products online in order to offer greater flexibility and choice to meet consumer needs in our communities.”
Earlier this year, the Co-op announced that it expects its same-day online delivery offer, including partnerships with Deliveroo, Buymie and its own dedicated online shop, to be available from 650 of its UK stores by the end of 2020.
NAM Implications:
- Reminder: this is the Co-op, folks.
- Worth keeping in mind that these fulfilment initiatives are unlikely to be reversed.
- In which case, why not find ways of climbing aboard now.
