Co-op, a major supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a 24-hour grocery delivery service to meet the rising demand from shift workers, parents, and late-night consumers. The service is set to be launched this month through popular delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats in Manchester, Leeds, and London, where there is already a significant online demand at unconventional hours due to local demographics and the availability of delivery drivers, with stores operating round the clock for restocking.
A recent survey revealed that approximately 40% of customers using fast delivery services would opt for a delivery option between 11 pm and 5 am if available. This percentage increased to half among consumers aged 18 to 44, with the service expected to be particularly popular among the 18 to 24 age group. The research indicated that around six million adults in the UK believe that their work patterns or shifts would be the primary reason for using a 24-hour delivery service.
Chris Conway, Co-op’s e-commerce director, expressed the supermarket’s commitment to meeting shoppers’ needs at a local level through their widespread network of convenience stores across the UK. He stated, “We’re always looking at ways to evolve our online offer to provide the very best service for shoppers, whenever and at whatever time they choose to shop with us.”
The survey conducted by Opinion Matters involved 2,000 UK adults between August 14-16, providing insights into the growing demand for flexible grocery delivery services among consumers. With convenience and accessibility becoming increasingly important in retail, Co-op’s initiative to introduce a 24-hour delivery service reflects a strategic response to changing consumer behaviours and preferences.
The introduction of this round-the-clock delivery service by Co-op signifies a significant step towards enhancing customer convenience and meeting the evolving needs of modern shoppers across the UK. As the demand for flexible shopping options continues to rise, supermarkets are adapting their services to provide seamless and convenient solutions for consumers in an ever-changing retail landscape.