Deliveroo has taken a major step into online retail with the launch of a new in-app shopping section which will exist alongside its existing restaurant food and grocery offering.
The company said that ‘Deliveroo Shopping’ was a “natural extension” of its on-demand offerinf to consumers. The feature, which allows consumers to shop from a range of categories such as toys, DIY, electronics, beauty, pet food, flowers and toys, will be aiming to gain a foothold in an increasingly competitive e-commerce market.
The retail part of the platform will combine existing grocers, independent retailers including specialised gift merchants, stationery and electronics suppliers, and new national partners, the firm said.
As part of the rollout, several major supermarket brands already on the platform such as Waitrose, Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are extending their ranges to bolster the retail selection, while Boots has added an extended Christmas gifting range.
In addition, Deliveroo has partnered exclusively with Screwfix, a UK-based retailer of trade tools and hardware products. Screwfix will have an initial range of up to 500 products. helping provide a quick solution to issues at home from plumbing, electrical, decorating and more.
As part of its growth plans, the company has also begun rolling out a new gifting functionality in the app that offers a curated selection of gifting options for various special occasions.
Speaking on the launch of its retail segment, Eric French, Deliveroo’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a super exciting innovation for consumers. Deliveroo is now catering for a wider set of consumer needs and occasions. Just as Deliveroo transformed the way people eat, we’re set to do the same to how people shop, bringing more of the local neighbourhood to people’s doors.
“And this is just in time for Christmas, so whether people need an emergency last minute gift or just want to order whenever and wherever it suits them, Deliveroo’s got your back.”
