‘I’ve got time to chat’ scheme rolled out by Central England Co-op as part of effort to tackle isolation and loneliness

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 07/01/2021

Central England Co-op delivery drivers are telling customers ‘I’ve got time to chat’ as part of ongoing efforts to support the community during these uncertain times.

As part of its two eco-friendly home delivery services, the retailer, which has over 260 stores across 16 counties, is now hoping to bring smiles to faces to those who are feeling isolated or lonely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Colleagues from local stores will not only drop off their vital food and essentials but will now stop for a socially-distanced friendly chat for those that want it.

Driver Morgon Smith said she was ‘delighted’ to be able to offer a little something extra as part of the valuable community service the retailer provides.
She said: “The feedback we have had so far about our home delivery has been fantastic and we understand how much of a lifeline it has been to some in these trying times.

“But we wanted to ensure what we offer is more than just a simple delivery service, we wanted to make sure that our members and customers who might be feeling lonely or isolated get a little friendly chat to hopefully brighten their day.

“The whole reason behind launching home delivery at Central England Co-op was to make sure none of our communities missed out and by telling them ‘I’ve got time to chat’ we are showing that we are more than just a shop and we understand what it means to be part of our communities.”

Central England has rolled out two apps that allow customers to get their shopping delivered right to their door as part of new eco-friendly services.

First up is Snappy Shopper, currently running in Derby, Lichfield and Birmingham, which lets shoppers to order their co-op shop via a dedicated app and have it delivered to their door within the hour.

The second service is known as Appy Shop, which is running in parts of Norfolk, Leicester, Stafford and Burton, and allows people to hand pick a time slot for their food and essentials to be dropped off.

Both services let people to choose items using the relevant app which are then picked and packed at a nearby Central England Co-op store by local colleagues before being delivered to them via a special electronic vehicle.

Customers ordering via the Snappy Shopper app will have access to over 1,500 products including everyday groceries, alcohol and snacks and be able to request delivery within the hour seven days a week during a 10-hour time window.

Those ordering via the Appy Shop website or app will have access to hundreds of products including everyday groceries, alcohol and snacks and be able to handpick a delivery slot which suits them.

All prices will be the same as in store, there will be a £3 charge for delivery and there is a minimum order of £15. However, free delivery is being offered for first-time orders.

People can start ordering online now by downloading either app via the App Store or Google Play.

Notes to editors

Picture caption: Central England Co-op delivery driver Morgon Smith.

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK with interests in food, funeral, floral and property investment.

Co-operatives have always been there for their communities; they were formed to protect them and help them flourish. 

Our 7,550 colleagues who serve Members and customers work hard to ensure that co-operative values, principles and spirit flow through everything we do to help support and improve our local communities.

Owned by hundreds of thousands of Members, we have over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 

We are proud of our reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.

We invest a percentage of our trading profit into local communities through our Community Dividend Fund scheme, have donated over £1.3 million to our corporate charity partner Dementia UK and also operate a pioneering food redistribution partnership with FareShare Midlands so unsold food goes to those in need.

Visit www.centralengland.coop for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter using @mycoopfood

Press office contacts: Rob Smyth and James Brindle

Phone - 01543 421390

Email - publicrelations@centralengland.coop