// Co-op launches “walking delivery” service to customers within a 15-minute walk from the stores
// The rollout is likely to include smaller towns and rural villages often considered ‘offline’ by rapid home delivery providers
The Co-op will be the first UK supermarket to launch “walking deliveries” for households and workplaces up to a 15-minute walk from its stores.
The retailer is expected to operate from 200 stores this year following successful trials throughout Cornwall.
The rollout is likely to include smaller towns and rural villages often considered “offline” by rapid home delivery providers that focus on urban areas, said the Co-op.
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The business also unveiled plans to grow its online operations by a further 50% to £300 million by the end of this year, with online services now available over 2,000 of its stores in towns, villages and cities.
The Co-op added that increased use of robots also forms part of its plans, with autonomous home delivery robots taking to the streets of Cambridge for the first time this week, in partnership with Starship Technologies.
Co-op ecommerce director Chris Conway said: “Making shopping quick, easy and convenient for our members and customers is at the very heart of our approach. Our aim is to be the most convenient home delivery service and we continue to innovate to meet the needs of consumers.”
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