Co-op revamps electricals site

The grocer has embarked on a process to drive further sales in the category through a multi-channel offer with a re-launched website, click and collect service, a mobile site and in-store kiosks to purchase goods.

The Co-op has recorded 0.5% growth in the year to November 25 on electricals and is “absolutely delighted” with its performance in the sector, according to James Holland, managing director of The Co-operative e-stores and electrical buying group.

The Co-operative Electrical website re-launched this week after 12 months of research and development. The fourth incarnation of the site since 2001 features more information, product detail including videos and buying guides and easier navigation.

The retailer is to widen its range from 2,800 to 3,000 SKUs in the first quarter of next year and is to put in fully-transactional kiosks, a mobile site and a click and collect service in February.

Holland said: “We have performed well in a stressed market, we have seen a number of big electrical retailers struggling in recent weeks.

“Our brand is very well established and customers know we are not going to go out of business so when people are buying technical products they trust us.”

Margins in the electricals market are under extreme pressure. Earlier this month, Best Buy revealed it is to close its big box stores in the UK and Kesa has sold Comet for £2.

Holland said The Co-operative would repeat its policy last year in suspending electrical sales if snow hits deliveries in December. The retailer stopped selling online for 10 days to focus on delivering existing order.