Woolworths will continue to scale its online delivery capacity over the next week to help meet the essential food and grocery needs of the growing number of customers in self-isolation because of COVID-19.
The retailer has partnered with Australia Post and DHL Supply Chain to launch the ‘Woolworths Basics Box’ across ACT, New South Wales and Victoria for customers unable to leave their home. Other states, including South Australia are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Available for $80, the ‘Woolworths Basics Box’ will contain meals, snacks and a few essential items. The price also includes contactless doorstep delivery by Australia Post within an estimated time of two to five business days of order. Woolworths will not be profiting from providing this service.
Customers can’t choose, switch or select specific products with the ‘Woolworths Basics Box’. By streamlining the picking process and partnering with Australia Post for the delivery and DHL for the packing, Woolworths will be able to get more essential items to many more vulnerable customers faster. Customers not confident shopping online will have the option to be supported through their order over the phone.
Once an order has been placed, customers will receive updates on the delivery from Australia Post via text message and email.
Following successful trials across 41 Supermarkets last week, Woolworths plans to transform another 100 Supermarkets into Priority Delivery Hubs to get more home deliveries to ‘Priority Assistance’ customers.
New Priority Delivery Hubs will launch throughout the week, with the specific stores and adjusted trading hours for in-store customers to be announced at woolworths.com.au/updates.
Woolworths is also working closely with last-mile delivery partners, Sherpa and Drive Yello to expand their driver base to support more rapid deliveries out of stores to those in need.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said: “We understand many of our older or more vulnerable customers will be anxious about their food and grocery needs in the weeks ahead.
“Going to the supermarket is a key part of everyday life for many of them, and some will have never even considered ordering groceries online before.
“We’re working at pace to reshape our business, and thanks to the support of the likes of Australia Post and DHL, we will be able to better service those in self-isolation.
“But we will also need Australians to rally together and help. If you can shop for a friend, family or loved one, please do. Because there will be some in our community who don’t have that option, and we need your help to put the most vulnerable first.
“We thank customers for their patience and understanding as we work to meet these challenges together.”
Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Australia Post, Christine Holgate said: “We are proud to play a part in this initiative with Woolworths.
“We know so many people are really struggling to get their essential needs during this time, particularly the vulnerable and elderly who may not be able to visit their local supermarket. Making delivery to people’s homes is critical at this time.”
Saul Resnick, CEO, DHL Supply Chain said: “DHL Supply Chain are delighted to partner with Woolworths in the supply of essential items to those most vulnerable at this time.
“We take our part in this very seriously. We are proud to have been able to contribute to this significant project.”
Woolworths first introduced Priority Assistance home deliveries on 13 March 2020 to help the elderly, people with disability and those in mandatory isolation. It has since delivered to more than 90,000 customers in need.
To apply for Priority Assistance delivery, customers need to complete the form at woolworths.com.au/priorityassistance or call 1800 000 610 to find out more.
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