DRINKLY CHANGES TO ‘SHOPLY’ AS CONVENIENCE HOME DELIVERY SALES SOAR BY 500%
As demand continues to soar during lockdown, Edinburgh-based tech start-up Drinkly is re-branding as Shoply to support its expansion into convenience home delivery.
In the six weeks to 3rd May 2020, sales on the award-winning on-demand platform sky-rocketed by 500% compared to the previous period, ‘mixed basket’ sales accounting for a growing number of transactions.
John Robertson, CEO of Drinkly said: “Convenience has always been the main driver for us and we knew that we could deliver greater convenience and value to consumers by extending our range without compromising or diluting our fundamental promise. Over the last few months we’ve been actively looking at ways develop our platform and proposition beyond drinks and snacks, and integrating a convenience-led retail offer with our existing business stood out as a natural progression.”
The convenience sector is expected to grow by 12% to £41.9bn in 2021 (source: IGD) and, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, has provided a vital lifeline to communities by getting vital supplies to residents when supermarkets are failing to do so. ‘Bringing the local store to your door’, Shoply connects consumers to quality convenience stores in their area, enabling them to shop across the entire product range online with guaranteed delivery in under one hour. The online marketplace now hosts 30 retailers throughout the UK and is collaborating with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) on a partnership that will see Shoply piloted across a number of SGF member stores. SGF is a major trade association in the food and drink sector in Scotland and represents Scotland's 5,000 independent convenience stores.
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema OBE said: "We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Shoply, one of the most innovative and customer-focused retailers in Scotland. They are passionate about what they do. We fully share this passion for retailing and this gives us a shared commitment to building a highly effective partnership."
Abdul Manan, owner of Tweed Drive Corner Shop in Livingston and a Shoply partner since February 2020, said: “We chose Shoply because of the commission model and because it was extremely easy to create an online store; we were live and taking orders within a week. Shoply is bringing a lot of business our way – 95% of customers at the start were new and are now regular shoppers. We’re seeing an average basket spend of around £25.”
John added: “The evolution of our business couldn’t be more timely; the Covid-19 crisis has affected all lives and livelihoods and keeping communities connected and protected is hugely important. By accessing local stores online, customers can shop safely and securely from their own homes, knowing that they’re supporting their high street in the process.”
Drinkly has delivered £110,000 in incremental sales for its first retail partner last year alone, online basket spend being three times that of in-store purchases.
To enquire about registering with Shoply email: retailer@shoply.co.uk
- Ends -
About the Scottish Grocers’ Federation
SGF is the national trade association for the independent convenience store sector in Scotland. There are 5,000 convenience stores in Scotland providing 44,000 jobs. The sector contributes £530 million per annum to Scotland’s economy each year in Gross Value Added and the annual value of sales is some £4 billion.