The current global pandemic has presented a unique set of supply chain challenges and bricks and mortar retailers have been quick to respond to the requirements of our new, near contactless culture. Working with 14 of the UK’s 15 largest retailers, we are supporting the drive for contactless through our digital and accessible workflow and Proof Of Delivery solution.
The rise in order volume for everything from grocery and DIY supplies to high-end fashion, is set on a seemingly immutable course with retailers exploring a number of key commercial models including Click & Collect (C&C).
The Click & Collect channel is forecast to continue growing rapidly to 2023, accounting for 12.9% of online spend by 2023. Clothing & Footwear will remain the largest sector within the Click & Collect channel.
(United Kingdom Click & Collect Market Report 2018-2023 – ResearchAndMarkets.com)
As a fulfilment model, Click & Collect solves many challenges not least of which are the cost of both ecommerce and last mile deliveries, utilisation of excess store space and the rising consumer demand for speed and convenience. Many retailers are now considering a Click & Collect option as almost a mandatory requirement with the majority of those who operate it offering same-day pickup timescales. With less resource and investment required than home delivery, C&C also appeals as it can increase online scale and penetration.
As online grocery demands have grown, so too have the number of C&C models which now include automated pickup stations such as Walmart’s pick-up towers in the USA, Amazon lockers, and pedestrian grocery drive formats being rolled out by Carrefour for example in France.
One of Australia’s leading grocery retailers and a customer of Microlise, has been quick to embrace the Click & Collect model, offering same day collection and at certain locations, delivery directly into your car boot.
German–based grocer Rewe has also shifted attention towards Click & Collect, offering dedicated collection areas/checkouts at over 100 stores as well as trialling a cooled C&C box for a virtually contact free transaction.
While click & collect was once considered an innovative differentiator, it’s now becoming an essential part of retail modelling and looks set to grow still further. It is likely that we will see more services rolled out and shorter timescales as retailers work to keep pace with the 1 & 2 hour delivery windows offered through the likes of Amazon. The shopping journey will continue to be critically important as retailers fine-tune purchase paths with real-time inventory and text alerts while incentivising customers to remain loyal through pickup perks, couponing and other incentives.
Microlise Proof of Delivery – Powering Click & Collect
Click & Collect can be a game changer for customer experience, but needs to be managed correctly with the right technologies in place.
Our Proof of Delivery technologies are already enabling many retailers and other logistics organisations. The technology can be used by company-own personnel or by third parties, with mobile apps including functionality such as sign-on glass, image capture and consignment/order information.
