Co-op delivery drivers will stop for a chat with customers to ease pandemic loneliness

As part of its two eco-friendly home delivery services, Central England Co-op will not only drop off vital food and essentials but will also have a chinwag with those who want it.

Driver Morgon Smith said she was ‘delighted’ to be able to offer a little something extra as part of the valuable community service the retailer provides.She said: “The feedback we have had so far about our home delivery has been fantastic and we understand how much of a lifeline it has been to some in these trying times.

“But we wanted to ensure what we offer is more than just a simple delivery service, we wanted to make sure that our members and customers who might be feeling lonely or isolated get a little friendly chat to hopefully brighten their day.

“The whole reason behind launching home delivery at Central England Co-op was to make sure none of our communities missed out and by telling them ‘I’ve got time to chat’ we are showing that we are more than just a shop and we understand what it means to be part of our communities.”

Central England Co-op, which operates stores in Whitwell and Carlton-in-Lindrick has rolled out two apps that allow customers to get their shopping delivered right to their door as part of new eco-friendly services.

First up is Snappy Shopper, currently running in Derby, Lichfield and Birmingham, which lets shoppers to order their Co-op shop via a dedicated app and have it delivered to their door within the hour.

The second service is known as Appy Shop, which is running in parts of Norfolk, Leicester, Stafford and Burton, and allows people to hand pick a time slot for their food and essentials to be dropped off.

Both services let people to choose items using the relevant app which are then picked and packed at a nearby Central England Co-op store by local colleagues before being delivered to them via a special electronic vehicle.

Customers ordering via the Snappy Shopper app will have access to more than 1,500 products including everyday groceries, alcohol and snacks and be able to request delivery within the hour seven days a week during a ten-hour time window.

Those ordering via the Appy Shop website or app will be able to handpick a delivery slot which suits them.

All prices will be the same as in store, there will be a £3 charge for delivery and there is a minimum order of £15. However, free delivery is being offered for first-time orders.

People can start ordering online now by downloading either app via the App Store or Google Play.

Central England Co-op has 400 trading outlets across 16 counties and employs 7,500 workers.

The retailer operates a pioneering food redistribution partnership with FareShare Midlands so unsold food goes to those in need.

A percentage of its trading profit is invested in local projects via the Community Dividend Fund. More than £1.3 million has been donated to Dementia UK.