Co-op has just launched a new grocery delivery service in Manchester city centre that’s running 24-hours a day.
In a bid to “respond to growing demand” for quick and easily-accessible groceries from consumers, such as shift workers, parents of young families, and late-night revellers in particular, the supermarket retailer has decided to begin offering 24-hour grocery delivery services in three major city centres – London, Leeds, and of course, Manchester.
It comes after new research from Co-op apparently shows that more than 40% of online shoppers would use an 11pm to 5am delivery service if it was available.
This figure then rises to around almost one in two consumers who are aged between 18-44, with the service believed to be most popular for Gen Z shoppers aged 18-24 (52.3%) out of everyone.
Co-op has launched a 24-hour grocery delivery service in Manchester city centre / Credit: Co-op (via Flickr)
he new research also revealed than an estimated six million UK adults believe the main reason they would use the extended 24-hour service if it was available to them would be due to their work pattern or their shifts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Co-op says it’s launching the new service this month in places where there is strong online grocery demand at “non-traditional times”.
Stores have been selected based on the local demographic, a concentration of delivery driver availability, and where the premises is already staffed around the clock for replenishment purposes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Groceries will be delivered through Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo / Credit: Co-op (via Flickr)
Groceries will be delivered through Co-op’s e-commerce partners Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo.
”Meeting the needs of our customers is at the heart of our approach,” explained Chris Conway, who is Co-op’s E-Commerce Director, as the new 24-hour service was announced.
“We focus on ease, speed, and convenience from our local stores, which are well placed in the heart of communities, and as societal behaviours including changing lifestyles and shift working are increasing, so is the requirement for online groceries to be delivered quickly and conveniently at non-traditional times of the day.”
Featured Image – Jon Super (via Co-op)
Shopping
Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Shopping
Home Bargains has announced a special two-day closure of all UK stores
Emily Sergeant
Home Bargains has, once again, announced it’ll be closing all its UK stores on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year.
And it’s to make sure staff get a ‘well deserved break’.
After what has been yet another busy year for the retail industry, many workers have been left feeling like they could do with a little extra time off, which is why Home Bargains is following on with what has become a now-annual tradition by shutting up shop on two bank holidays.
All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day & New Years Day.
Announcing the move in a post on social media, the discount retailer confirmed: “All of our stores will be closing for Boxing Day and New Years Day. We would like to thank all our colleagues for how hard you have worked this past year, and want you to relax and enjoy the Christmas break with your loved ones.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time the retailer has kept its doors shut on bank holidays.
Many shoppers will recall it has made the same decision to give hardworking staff a break every year since 2019.
Explaining a little more about the decision taken to close all its stores, Home Bargains said: “As a family-run business, we know the importance of being together at Christmas with those we care about most, now more than ever.
Emily Sergeant -
26th September 2024 
