Co-op has created extra online slots earlier in the morning, in a bid to help parents facing the annual back to school scramble. 

The convenience retailer has added 750,000 online slots from 7am, as it works to provide quick home delivery in as little as 60 minutes or less. 

The earlier slots are available via Co-op’s own online shop – shop.coop.co.uk – and, through its partner platforms Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo, with more than 1,200 participating local stores across the UK.

Gary Kisby, Co-op’s quick commerce trading director, said: “Every parent knows the feeling of getting everything ready for the new school year and then realising that something is missing.

“When life is busy enough, whether it is back to school or getting back into your usual work routine, quick online home delivery can bring forgotten lunchbox items to your door in minutes, giving families a convenient way to avoid last minute stressful situations.”

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Almost 90% of the UK population has access to Co-op groceries online, with products picked fresh in the local store and delivered quickly and conveniently in the community.

With Co-op’s stores open online earlier than usual, the convenience retailer is also focussed on making money go further with a wide range of member price savings, deals and promotions, 3-for-2 offers, along with Aldi Price Match products for those lunchbox essentials, including everything for making tasty home-made sandwiches along with snacks and fruit.

Co-op has built its latest marketing campaign on such items. The ‘Pop to Co-op’ campaign reframes everyday shopping missions as small but meaningful life moments, according to Samuel Walker, marketing director of the convenience retailer.

It was designed around those frequent moments: from a quick lunch, to feeding the kids, or making the most of a barbecue or picnic.

Read the full interview here.