Under an hour: Coles expands pick-up options as customers push for more speed

Despite the enthusiasm for these services, some have found it challenging to find a sustainable business model. A number of the grocery delivery startups that emerged in the face of lockdowns have fallen on hard times this year. Meanwhile, food delivery service Deliveroo made the shock decision to exit the Australian market last week. 

The major supermarkets have moved fast to meet customer expectations after a surge in online grocery shopping over the past two years.

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Woolworths expanded its ‘Metro60’ delivery app to Melbourne in August after a successful launch in Sydney, promising shoppers delivery in under 60 minutes from a selection of more than 4,000 products.

The national expansion of Coles’ rapid click and collect model comes as the supermarket looks to integrate more digital features into its in-store experience.

The group will officially open a ‘next generation’ store at Southland in Melbourne on Wednesday, featuring its largest grocery collections area, where shoppers will be directed by digital screens about where to park to collect their orders.

The store will also feature digital scales in the fresh produce section which will use artificial intelligence to work out what is being scanned, as well as digital gift card kiosks for festive gifts.

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