Supermarket giant Woolworths will continue to scale its online delivery capacity over the next week to meet the growing number of customers in self-isolation due to Covid-19.
The retailer has partnered with Australia Post and DHL Supply Chain to launch the ‘Woolworths Basics Box’ across ACT, New South Wales and Victoria for customers unable to leave their home. Other states are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Available for $80, the ‘Woolworths Basics Box’ will contain meals, snacks and a few essential items. The price also includes contactless doorstep delivery by Australia Post within an estimated time of two to five business days of order. Woolworths says it will not be profiting from providing this service.
Customers can’t choose, switch or select specific products with the ‘Woolworths Basics Box’. By streamlining the picking process and partnering with Australia Post for the delivery and DHL for the packing, Woolworths will be able to get more essential items to many more vulnerable customers faster.
Customers not confident shopping online will have the option to be supported through their order over the phone.
Once an order has been placed, customers will receive updates on the delivery from Australia Post via text message and email.
Following successful trials across 41 Supermarkets last week, Woolworths plans to transform another 100 Supermarkets into ‘Priority Delivery Hubs’ to get more home deliveries to ‘Priority Assistance’ customers.
Currently, Woolworths stores at The Avenue in Cranbourne North and Fountain Gate shopping Centre are trading as ‘Priority Delivery Hubs’ and are open to the public from 11am to 6pm.
The hub stores will use the additional hours the stores are closed to customers to pick online orders, with a focus on meeting the increased demand from ‘priority assistance’ customers.
Woolworths is also working closely with last-mile delivery partners, Sherpa and Drive Yello to expand their driver base to support more rapid deliveries out of stores to those in need.
