As news broke last week of driverless cars, robotic advancements and drones influencing the future of grocery delivery, Will Broome, CEO of Ubamarket, the innovative supermarket shopping app, has voiced his views.
He believes that grocers trialling new technologies to improve online delivery is admirable but, with online grocery shopping only accounting for 6.4% of spending, technology developments are better implemented in store.
Broome said, “The world of online orders seems all too ready to embrace developing technology to improve its service. Unfortunately, these developments ignore the fact that in-store supermarket shopping is still the most popular way for British shoppers to get their groceries.
'In order for physical stores to compete, they will need to adopt new technologies that bring their level of service in line with that currently expected by consumers.
'While driverless cars and drone deliveries are important steps for online grocery shopping, utilising the technology available, such as in-app payment solutions, will allow customers to use the power of the device in their pocket to enrich the in-store shopping experience.'
Broome continued, 'For smaller stores especially, technology like that championed by Ubamarket will allow them to maintain their relevance alongside an online industry that is progressing leaps and bounds ahead.
'Smaller grocer chains already service the shopping community in many ways but it is by using the technology available in the market and joining with companies like Ubamarket that these stores will continue to provide that service.”
