Manchester-based Co-op said it has launched a new partnership with Uber Direct, enabling shoppers to order groceries via Co-op’s own online shop with delivery locally through Uber Eats’ delivery network.
“The trial with Uber Direct will initially enable an additional 50 Co-op stores to offer quick and convenient online home delivery, as Co-op aims to grow the access and reach of its own online shop to around 1,000 Co-op stores by the end of the year,” said the Co-op.
“The move supports the convenience retailer’s ambition to accelerate its share of the quick commerce market to more than 30%, and sits alongside its partnerships with online home delivery platforms including Uber Eats where Co-op groceries and everyday essentials are available to order from approaching 1,100 Co-op stores.
“Co-op’s online strategy is centred on quick convenience from its stores which are well placed at the heart of communities, with online orders picked fresh in local stores.
“Co-op has estimated that more than 80% of the UK population now has access to its products through either its own online shop or, the delivery platforms it partners with.”
Chris Conway, Co-op’s eCommerce Director, said: “We have ambitious goals for the continued growth of our ecommerce business, and know that our member-owners and customers value the ease and convenience of quick and convenient online home delivery.
“Innovation and effective partnerships are a fundamental part of our approach as we grow the reach of both our own online shop, and our work with strategic partners – offering our member-owners and customers in more communities an extensive range of groceries on-demand from Co-op’s stores locally.”
Caroline Varga, Head of Uber Direct, said: “We’re proud to work with Co-op to build on its relationship with Uber, and support its work to grow its online delivery service to its member-owners and customers. Our shared focus on speed, reliability and convenience supports Co-op’s growth ambitions to offer food and drink on-demand from more of its stores via Co-op’s own website or app.”
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services.
Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates around 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business Nisa Retail Limited.
Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion.