Analysis: From hairspray to hammers – could rapid delivery be a game-changer beyond grocery?

Deliveroo rider Sophie outside Boots Piccadilly Circus

The rapid delivery revolution is gathering pace and where grocers have led non-food retailers are starting to follow, writes Nick Hughes.

In August, Screwfix announced the launch of a rapid delivery service called Screwfix Sprint that will deliver orders direct to site within 60 minutes.

The same month, Boots launched a trial partnership with Deliveroo to offer delivery in as little as 20 minutes on a range of more than 400 health and beauty products.

Dixons Carphone has also confirmed it is set to trial a partnership with Uber to offer “better than same day” delivery using its network of stores as distribution hubs.

The economics of rapid delivery remain challenging, but with consumers increasingly demanding convenience and immediacy as standard non-food retailers may soon be left with little choice but to join those already offering same-day, or even same-hour, delivery options.

 

Already have an account?

Want to read more?

Register for LIMITED guest access

Register now

Sign up for a month FREE trial

Subscribe now