United Wholesale (Scotland) has signed a long-term deal with Glasgow-based technology firm DrinkSorted to make a home delivery service available to up to 1,500 c-stores.
UWS and DrinkSorted expect to handle over 250,000 orders each month, with an average basket spend of £22.
The DrinkSorted app will be made available to stores which are part of United’s network, including its chain of 500 Day-Today and USave shops, and around 1,000 independent stores.
DrinkSorted was originally set up to provide home delivery of alcoholic drinks within one hour, and has since expanded to include a full range of grocery products.
The platform offers three mobile phone apps: one for customers; one for delivery drivers; and one for merchants.
When customers download the app it identifies the nearest store providing deliveries.
There is no minimum spend and no surcharge with prices the same as instore, with a low delivery charge.
Retailers have full control over instant pricing and offers.
DrinkSorted already has existing deals with a number of independent retailers under various fascias, including Costcutter, KeyStore, Spar and Best-One, as well as online whisky specialists Scotch Whisky World.
Chris Gallacher, Managing Director of United Wholesale (Scotland), said: “Scotland’s convenience stores are at the heart of their local communities, and throughout the coronavirus pandemic we have continued supplying them to ensure they can provide groceries for their customers.
“With the addition of the DrinkSorted app, it will make our retailers even more convenient for customers with quick delivery of essential items without them ever leaving their homes.
“It also ensures local stores can take a slice of the online grocery shopping spend from the big supermarkets in the UK, which is the fastest growing purchase channel in terms of value and growth.”
