Woolworths has launched its first eStore at its Maroochydore (Big Top) supermarket in Queensland, as online demand soars.
The 1,250sqm space at the rear of the store uses cutting-edge micro-fulfilment technology to sort and move products from automated storage units directly to team members hand picking customer orders.
The units can hold up to 10,000 of the most in-demand grocery products, while fresh fruit and vegetables and meat continue to be picked from the shopfloor.
The technology bolsters the speed, efficiency and accuracy of the picking process, which allows thousands of extra online orders to be delivered to Sunshine Coast customers each week, including more on a same day basis.
Woolworths has appointed around 150 team members to help fulfil orders from the Maroochydore eStore, including 80 new to the business.
“The continued growth in online grocery demand has given us an opportunity to reimagine the future of our stores,” said Annette Karantoni, Director of eCommerce at Woolworths.
“As customer expectations continue to rise, we’re investing in cutting-edge technology on the Sunshine Coast to build an even better and more convenient online offer for local customers,” Karantoni said.
“This technology will help our team of 150 personal shoppers pick orders with greater speed and accuracy, while keeping us close to our Sunshine Coast customers for faster and more flexible deliveries to the home. The new delivery capacity comes at a critical time as more of our customers turn to home delivery through the pandemic,” she said.
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Woolworths’ eStore layout also helps reduce congestion in the aisles for in-store customers, as their personal shoppers pick most items in the back of house.
The Maroochydore eStore will service home delivery orders spanning from Coolum Beach to Wurtulla.
Woolworths reported annual eCommerce sales growth of 90.5 per cent in the quarter ended 4 April 2021. These now account for around eight per cent of total sales.
Source: Woolworths