WHSmith is the latest retailer to partner with Deliveroo on a super-fast delivery trial.

Deliveroo rider outside a WHSmith store

The trial begins in Reading and will be rolled out to nine other stores next week covering Richmond, Muswell Hill, Chiswick, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford, Leeds, St Albans and Guildford.

Around 600 of WHSmith’s products will be available on-demand to be delivered in as little as 20 minutes.

Products include stationery and working-from-home essentials such as notebooks and printer cartridges; bestselling novels and children’s books; revision guides for KS2, KS3 and GCSE students; and toys, arts and crafts supplies.

WHSmith is the latest non-grocery retailer to jump on the on-demand trend, which has seen Boots and Currys trialling super-fast delivery options.

WHSmith managing director for the high street Sean Toal said: “We’re always exploring new ways to delight our customers both in-store and online by providing them with an exceptional shopping experience.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with Deliveroo for this trial, which will complement our existing offer and enable our customers to receive the products that they want and need from us as fast as possible from their local store direct to their door; whether that’s a greetings card, working from home essentials, a last-minute gift or a newly released book.”

Deliveroo UK and Ireland chief business officer Carlo Mocci added: “We are delighted to announce a new partnership with WHSmith in 10 stores across the country.

“WHSmith is the UK’s leading stationery retailer and the top consumer choice for high-quality and popular products for the whole family. This partnership will further increase the choice and selection of on-demand convenience products for our consumers, delivered in as little as 20 minutes, and will create more work for riders across the UK.”

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