Co-op halts informal Arran call-in home delivery service
Co-op stores on Arran are withdrawing their informal ordering and delivery service introduced during the pandemic.
The temporary measure was an invaluable service, particularly for the elderly who are unfamiliar with computers and online ordering, and a number of customers have contacted the Banner to express their disappointment at losing the service which has allowed them to drop in to a store or phone/email their order in which would then be delivered.
Customers can still use the online ordering and delivery service.
A Co-op spokesperson said: “We introduced this temporary delivery service during the pandemic to support those who were isolating and had no neighbours or relatives nearby to assist. We are, unfortunately, unable to extend the service. Our aim is always to provide the highest quality customer experience and our team in the Arran store will be happy to talk to customers about the range of added services and home delivery options available and help them to use them.”
Customers can still make use of other delivery options which include: ordering online with a minimum delivery charge of 99p; shop and deliver, where shoppers select their groceries in store and the Co-op will deliver them at a pre-arranged time free of charge but subject to a minimum spend; or a click and collect option where customers can shop online then arrange a collection time.
In May 2020, the Big Co-op in Brodick was the first Co-op store in Scotland to offer the temporary delivery service. The service catered for older customers and those who were self-isolating and at its peak was reaching as many as 500 orders per week.
The Co-op says it is currently reviewing its online home deliveries on the island to further increase frequency of the delivery service and to improve the service.