UK retailer Co-op is working with Walmart Commerce Technologies to bolster its “quick commerce” operations. The co-operative store network, which operates approximately 2,400 food stores and provides products to more than 6,000 other stores, will implement the Store Assist solution from Walmart Commerce Technologies to improve the ease, speed and convenience of its online grocery operations.
Store Assist is designed to digitize and streamline online order fulfilment workflows by allowing retailers to manage all orders and deliveries in one central location — from in-store pickup to ship-from-store, last -mile delivery orders and even third-party marketplaces. As a result, employees will no longer need to switch between different apps and devices, helping improve their efficiency and productivity while also supporting faster delivery times to better serve member-owners and customers. Online orders will be picked fresh in local Co-op stores and delivered quickly to customers in their communities.
The Walmart Commerce Technologies partnership is part of Co-op’s broader goal of expanding its quick commerce operations. The company estimates that more than 80% of the UK population now has access to Co-op grocers through its owned ecommerce site or through various delivery partners, including Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo. In March 2024, Co-op rolled out its own membership program to give consumers access to exclusive offers, discounts and events. The company aims to grow its member base from 5 million to 8 million by 2030.
“Growing our share of the quick commerce market is our focus through both our own online shop and with strategic partners,” said George Hayworth, Head of Online Development for Co-op in a statement. “Our approach is centered on ease, speed and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities. We are pleased to work closely with Walmart Commerce Technologies to implement the new technology that is easy to use and supports our continued growth, while further enhancing the quick and reliable service that is important to our member-owners and customers, whenever and wherever they choose to shop with us.”
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