UK food retailer Co-op has partnered with green logistics provider Urb-it to expand its rapid delivery service in London.
Co-op will utilise Urb-it’s ship-from-store API technology to offer its London-based customers emission-free home deliveries, within a 60-minute time slot. The new joint offering will initially launch from 10 local Co-op stores, with aspirations to grow the partnership over the coming year.
Forming part of Co-op’s online offer, the convenience retailer will leverage Urb-it’s walking delivery model to service hyperlocal deliveries across London. For larger goods and longer delivery routes, the partnership will combine walking with Urb-it’s e-cargo bike fleet to further grow its delivery capability.
Additionally, the service will utilise Urb-it’s eco vehicle fleet with both parties working together to operate convenient, fast, and sustainable deliveries, with the aim of reducing emissions and congestions in built up urban areas across London.
Chris Conway, head of eCommerce, Co-op, said: “Our focus is to continue to innovate and look for new and better ways to do business in our communities while expanding access to our products and services.
“In addition to offering quality and value quickly, easily, and conveniently, we need to do this sustainably, and by working collaboratively with partners with shared values we can ensure we further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, something which is essential if we are to have a healthy and sustainable natural environment to pass on to future generations.”
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According to the collaboration, the pandemic has created a shift in consumer buying behaviour with people seeking more convenient delivery solutions that also match their environmental values.
Sébastien Potts, UK country manager, Urb-it, added: “Combining our green delivery model and robust courier service platform, Urb-it will offer Co-op customers a high-quality experience through highly trained couriers to enhance their rapid delivery capability and improve the health of the community through a zero emissions fleet.
“As a community retailer, built upon a local store network, the Co-op has put green living at the forefront of their sustainability agenda. Therefore, I think Urb-it is a great fit for Co-op as together we can aim to use the partnership to make our communities more resilient and sustainable.”
