Co-op has revealed that it is set to work with Walmart’s Commerce Technologies unit to implement its online fulfilment technology, Store Assist. The tie-up with the US retail giant is part of the convenience retailer’s plans to improve the customer experience and drive growth in the quick commerce channel.
The Walmart Commerce Technologies Store Assist system digitises and streamlines online order fulfilment workflows. The app allows retailers to manage pickup, third-party marketplace, ship-from-store, and last-mile delivery orders all in one place. This streamlined omnichannel fulfilment workflow is expected to enhance in-store processes and operations, remove the need for staff to switch between quick commerce apps or different devices, and allow for faster delivery times.
With a focus on ease of use and scalability, the store Assist technology is said to meet the diverse demands of grocery fulfilment, with a unified platform to simplify systems as online orders are picked in local Co-op stores and delivered rapidly to customers.
“Growing our share of the quick commerce market is our focus through both our own online shop and with strategic partners,” said George Hayworth, Co-op Head of Online Development.
“Our approach is centred on ease, speed and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities. 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 has grown its quick commerce operation at pace and estimates that more than 80% of the UK population now has access to its grocery offer either through its own online store or through its delivery partners, including Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo. The convenience retailer has previously stated its ambition to control one-third of the q-commerce market.
NAM Implications:
- Patently, Walmart have done all the work…
- …and will charge for it.
- But Co-op gains all the benefits without having to originate the tech.
- Meaning efficient and profitable without all the fulfilment and profit-draining aspects of online.
- A pointer for others maybe?
