The British Co-operative Group plans to implement Walmart’s online fulfilment app Store Assist. The solution was developed by Walmart Commerce Technologies, the US retail giant’s profit centre subsidiary. With this step, the British co-operative wants to optimise the work processes of its employees in handling the significantly increased quick-commerce business without having to take on the expense of developing its own technology.
All orders from the company’s own online shop or via the British retailer’s delivery partners – including Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo – are brought together in one place in the Walmart subsidiary’s app. Employees no longer have to switch between different quick commerce apps or various devices.
Online orders received are assigned to a local Co-op store and picked there. The Store Assist user interface gives Co-op employees a better overview of all inbound orders, including the exact date and time of delivery commitments to customers. The unified view on the status of all order processes allows employees to better prioritise their in-store tasks.
Co-op expects higher delivery accuracy
The Store Assist platform automatically generates suggestions for efficient picking across all product groups. If an employee picks an ordered item incorrectly, the app generates an error alert. Via the standardised online fulfilment application, customers should benefit from faster delivery times and increased picking accuracy.
“We are focused on growing our share of the quick commerce market, both through our own online shop and with strategic partners,” explains George Hayworth, Head of Online Development at Co-op. “We are delighted to be working closely with Walmart Commerce Technologies to implement the new technology, which is easy to use and will support our continued growth.”
Co-op competitor Asda completed roll-out
In a recent LinkedIn post, Kevin Besford, Senior Director, Retail Future Asda, stated that the roll-out of Walmart’s Store Assist platform across the UK retailer’s network has been completed: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our store colleagues who have been involved in the Asda Store Assist programme, a huge cross-departmental effort covering 534 stores.”
