Drinks on demand start-up Drinkly has seen sales soar by more than 850% in the last month during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Edinburgh-based online ordering platform that connects consumers to more than 30 retailers aims to deliver within an hour. It is offering free daytime deliveries on groceries and convenience goods.
Founder and CEO John Robertson said online shops like his were providing a service that supermarkets are struggling to fulfil.
He said: “Your corner shop, your local convenience store – it’s these businesses that are the unsung heroes in a crisis like Covid-19 when supermarket delivery schedules are struggling to cope with demand. The high street is providing a vital lifeline to the local community by getting essential supplies to residents when they need it but few retailers are capitalising on internet retail as a core revenue stream during this crisis.
“Modern technology is absolutely critical to the way we go about our lives during Covid-19, whether it’s accessing virtual office systems, taking part in live online exercise classes, or simply buying what we need to keep our households running as smoothly as possible, without leaving our homes.
"Most of the retailers now on our platform had no online retail presence before Covid-19 hit. We provide them with the tech to create an online store and start selling within a couple of weeks. For the consumer, they can shop in absolute peace of mind, knowing that it’s as safe and secure a process as it possibly can be and that they’re helping support the local economy at the same time.”
Since joining the platform, Drinkly’s first retail partner has recorded a 32% increase in turnover and an uplift in average basket spend by three times against in-store purchases.
Since pubs, clubs and restaurants were ordered to close on 24 March and social distancing resulted in queues outside supermarkets, Drinkly has seen a huge uplift in business.
Robertson added: “When so much is out of our control, I think it’s only natural that people want to keep as much normality in their lives as they can. Enjoying a glass of something nice at the weekend – even if it’s not in a bar with your friends – is one of life’s simple pleasures that seems worth protecting in these difficult times.”
