Why convenience stores should invest in a home delivery partner

Home delivery has grown significantly in recent years, driven predominantly by the increase in consumer demand, particularly during the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

And multiple consumer habits established over the past 18 months look set to stay, so offering this service brings many benefits to stores, beyond increased sales, profit and customer loyalty; it also enables them to reach a much larger customer audience.

Home delivery is so convenient for today’s consumers, yet some convenience retailers lack the manpower and expertise to initiate the service and could therefore be losing out. However, technology, such as the service offered by Snappy Shopper, can give local stores the opportunity to create profitable sales without the need for higher retail prices, with the ability to generate an average basket spend 2.5 times the in-store convenience store average.

Fast-growing provider

As one of the fastest-growing home delivery solution providers dedicated to the convenience sector, Snappy Shopper now works with more than 1,000 stores across the UK, which use its app-based technology.

Founded in Dundee in December 2017, Snappy Shopper is a technology solution provider that connects communities with their local businesses. Via its app and website consumers can order groceries from their local convenience store and have them delivered by the store’s own drivers to their homes in a timescale ranging from 30 to 60 minutes.

No longer solely reliant on footfall, this allows retailers to extend their customer base and service, as well as compete in this fast-growing home delivery market. It also caters to the trend for top-up shopping and meets the growing consumer desire to access and support local businesses.

Retailers can increase revenues significantly, with average basket spend more than trebling online, while maintaining their in-store pricing.

Empowering local convenience stores

Consumer demand for local home delivery has risen significantly and community retailers are eager to respond to those needs, yet many do not have the technology to provide that service. Snappy Shopper’s tech solution enables local retailers to compete effectively in the fast-evolving on-demand convenience market, at a time when the importance of local stores have never been felt more keenly.

Partnerships to accelerate growth plans

Convenience stores across the UK need cost-effective digital solutions to maintain their value proposition and service their local communities. The tailor-made tech solution presents widespread application opportunities within the convenience sector.

A recently established commercial partnership between Snappy Shopper and PayPoint, for example, enables thousands of retailers to implement its home delivery and click-and-collect solutions. Launched in July, the tie-up sees PayPoint One retail partners have access to the Snappy Shopper platform, enabling them to offer customers a convenient home delivery and click-and-collect option.

The PayPoint One system integrates directly with the Snappy Shopper platform, meaning there is no need for additional kit or technology for retailers that sign up.

USP

Mike Callachan, CEO and co-founder of The Snappy Group, explains: “Our vision is to bring the best of local to consumers, wherever they may be. We provide retailers around the UK with a lucrative online ordering service to offer to their customers.”

Working in partnership with existing local businesses embedded in their communities is what sets local convenience stores apart in the marketplace, says Callachan. “With the Snappy model, retailers retain control over their home delivery service. They are provided with a flexible tech solution which enables customer choice, in-store pricing and special offers, tailored to the needs of each individual neighbourhood. Retailers can increase revenue significantly with average basket spend more than trebling online compared to in-store.”

Callachan adds that Snappy Shopper’s model is much more in tune with the needs of local businesses that look to maintain their value proposition in-store while trading profitably online.

“Home delivery is an essential part of the future success of the convenience sector,” he says. “Convenience retailers need to be considering online as part of their offering or face getting left behind. To be a viable retailer in bricks and mortar today, you need to also offer online.

“The hybrid model is a winning formula for the retailer and the consumer.”