Co-op rolls out unique app that allows shoppers eco-friendly home deliveries in less than an hour

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 25/09/2020

Central England Co-op shoppers can now get their shopping delivered to their door in less than an hour thanks to a new eco-friendly service.

The retailer has linked up with Snappy Shopper to launch a trial in Derby and Birmingham that allows shoppers to order their co-op shop via a dedicated app and have it delivered to their door within the hour.

Shoppers choose items using the app which are then picked and packed at a nearby Central England Co-op store by local colleagues before being delivered to them via a special electronic vehicle.

Furthering its eco-credentials, the trial will also see all shopping delivered without the use of plastic bags.

Tony Watt, Littleover Food Store Manager, said: “We are proud to be one of the main hubs hosting this exciting trial that will allow local shoppers quick and convenient access to get food and vital essentials from their local Central England Co-op store.
“Recent times have really showed us all the benefits of being able to shop local with a trusted, community focused retailer and this trial with Snappy Shopper is another great extension of that way of thinking and how we, as a Society, are always trying to come up with more ways to improve the shopping experience for our customers and members.

“We are also pleased that the trial will see products picked and packed by colleagues at a local store and then delivered in an environmentally-friendly way with our special electronic vehicles.

“We are delighted to be able to help make shopping as easy and convenient as possible for customers so they can get what they want, when they want it direct to their door.”

Customers ordering via the app will have access to over 1,500 products including everyday groceries, alcohol and snacks and be able to request delivery within the hour seven days a week during a 10-hour time window.

All prices will be the same as in store, there will be a £3 charge for delivery and there is a minimum order of £15. However, free delivery is being offered for first-time orders.

People can start ordering online now by downloading the Snappy Shopper app via the App Store or Google Play.

Mark Steven, Chief Executive of Snappy Shopper, said: “We are delighted to be trialling with Central England Co-op. The Snappy Shopper platform is designed and built specifically for the convenience store market and is based entirely on working in partnership with retailers to drive incremental new sales. This is turn assists retailers in supporting the needs of their communities.  No other platform has the functionality that Snappy Shopper offers. This drives significant incremental sales for our retailers and promotes returning customers.”

Notes to editors

Picture caption: Central England Co-op has teamed up with Snappy Shopper to offer one-hour eco friendly deliveries for customers in Derby and Birmingham.

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK with interests in food, funeral, floral and property investment.

Co-operatives have always been there for their communities; they were formed to protect them and help them flourish. 

Our 7,900 colleagues who serve Members and customers work hard to ensure that co-operative values, principles and spirit flow through everything we do to help support and improve our local communities.

Owned by hundreds of thousands of Members, we have over 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 

We are proud of our reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.

We invest a percentage of our trading profit into local communities through our Community Dividend Fund scheme, have donated over £1.3 million to our corporate charity partner Dementia UK and also operate a pioneering food redistribution partnership with FareShare Midlands so unsold food goes to those in need.

Visit www.centralengland.coop for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter using @mycoopfood

Press office contacts: Rob Smyth and James Brindle

Phone - 01543 421390

Email - publicrelations@centralengland.coop