Superdrug.com to use milkmen in m-box deal
Superdrug.com has become the first high-profile customer for the multi-channel home delivery service developed by m-box and the first to offer deliveries by milk float under the pioneering operation launched by the contractor m-box with Express Dairies.
M-box is offering a range of services to Superdrug.com, including next-day and Saturday morning services, and same-day delivery within the area of the M25 motorway. M-box has established a network of partners to handle its various delivery options, including Parcelforce for deliveries within 48 hours nationwide, and Addison Lee for express deliveries in London.
Under a trial starting this month, online Superdrug.com customers in the Northamptonshire area will also be able to request next-morning delivery by milk float. Around 100 floats will be involved in the initial trial, giving access to an estimated 250,000 consumers. The aim is to roll the service out across the country later in the year.
Express Dairies originally trialled the concept in Hull, and later announced its joint development with m-box. It already has 2.2 million doorstep customers, and says its floats pass a further 5.5 million households.
Superdrug.com is one of a range of online initiatives launched by parent company Kingfisher. It offers 2,500 health and beauty products from around 10,000 lines available in the 700 high-street Superdrug stores.
It is offering consumers an unusually wide range of delivery price options, starting at a flat rate £2.50, then adding £2 for evening delivery, £2.50 for Saturday delivery and £5 for same-day London delivery.
Superdrug’s online rival Boots.co.uk also chose a new-generation e-fulfilment startup company, Metapack, to handle operations for the joint venture it announced last year with Granada.
