Co-op has launched a 24-hour grocery delivery service as quick commerce demand rises

The retailer is rolling out the 24-hour service this month in Leeds, London and Manchester stores where there is strong online grocery demand at non-traditional times.

Co-op’s research found that more than 40% of quick commerce shoppers would use an 11pm-5am delivery service if one was available, with the figure rising to nearly one in two consumers aged between 18 and 44.

Quick commerce is most popular among Gen Z shoppers aged 18 to 24 (52.3%) who are most likely to use the 24-hour service.

The stores that offer the service were “selected based on the local demographic, a concentration of delivery driver availability and where stores are already staffed around the clock for replenishment purposes.”

The retailer will deliver groceries through its ecommerce partners Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

Co-op has also extended its online availability in more than 1,600 stores within the store’s existing opening hours, helping more customers to shop later in the evening.

Co-op ecommerce director Chris Conway said: “Meeting the needs of our member-owners and customers is at the heart of our approach and is aligned to our strategy to grow our share of the quick commerce market through both our own online shop and strategic partners. 

“We focus on ease, speed and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities. Societal behaviours including changing lifestyles and shift working are increasing the requirement for online groceries to be delivered quickly and conveniently at non-traditional times of the day.”