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Independent retailers have been able to list chilled drinks and snacks on Drinkly since 2016
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The firm has been working to bring convenience stores’ full ranges onto the platform during the crisis
Scottish booze delivery startup Drinkly has rebranded as Shoply to better reflect its current operations.
Drinkly launched in 2016 offering an online marketplace platform for independent retailers to list chilled drinks and snacks. Orders arrive within an hour, delivered by the retailer or a third-party courier.
During the coronavirus crisis, the Edinburgh-based firm has been working to bring convenience stores’ full ranges onto the platform.
“Over the past few months we’ve been actively looking at ways develop our platform and proposition beyond drinks and snacks, and integrating a convenience-led retail offer with our existing business stood out as a natural progression,” said CEO John Robertson.
“By accessing local stores online, customers can shop safely and securely from their own homes, knowing that they’re supporting their high street in the process,” he added.
In the six-week period to 3 May, the company said average basket value had risen to £37.09 from £28.54. Sales have grown by 490% and the number of orders has jumped 371%.
Some 30 independents sell through the platform but the company expects more retailers to onboard after forging a partnership with the 5,000-member Scottish Grocers Federation. The partnership will see Shoply piloted in several member stores.
Tweed Drive Corner Shop in Livingston has reported a significant boost in sales since going onto the Shoply platform in February this year.
“We chose Shoply because of the commission model and because it was extremely easy to create an online store; we were live and taking orders within a week,” said store owner Abdul Manan.
“It’s bringing a lot of business our way – 95% of customers at the start were new and are now regular shoppers. We’re seeing an average basket spend of around £25,” he added.
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