French retailer Carrefour is testing a new collaborative delivery service, Merci Voisin ('Thanks Neighbour'), which will see Carrefour shoppers collect and deliver online grocery orders for other customers.
The retailer describes the platform as an "innovative concept" that will revolutionise the delivery process and strengthen the links between members of the Carrefour community.
The service is currently only available at Carrefour hypermarkets in Bègles, Mérignac, Ollioules et L'Haÿ Les Roses.
Sharing Economy
To become a driver, Carrefour customers download the Merci Voisin app and create an account. There, they will be able to view and accept online orders from other customers who live near them, but who may not be able to collect their own shopping. The drivers will then be compensated for delivering goods.
Additionally, Carrefour says that customers do not need to own a car or van to become a driver, and can collect groceries using public transportation, bicycle, or on their feet, depending on the size of the order.
Similar delivery services based on a sharing economy have been introduced by other retailers across Europe, including Coop Danmark.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
