by LYDIA NATHAN / pic by BLOOMBERG
DELIVERY service Foodpanda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has ventured into daily grocery deliveries from over 3,500 vendors nationwide, promising a delivery time frame of less than 30 minutes.
In a statement released recently, the platform said the new service called “Shops” will allow customers to order from a variety of stores using one platform.
Foodpanda Malaysia MD Sayantan Das said as part of its quick commerce offerings, or also known as q-commerce, Shops aims to introduce a new experience in a true on-demand fashion.
“Speed and convenience are becoming more important than ever before. We are confident that the on-demand shopping experience can cut traditional waiting times, adding a fresh take to conventional e-commerce and retail shop experiences,” he said.
Vendors on Shops include Tesco, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Marks & Spencer, Lulu Hypermarket, Watsons, Shell Select and Petron.
Sayantan said customers wanting to order groceries can use the regular app, enter a valid address and tap on the Shops banner to view the vendors within the area that will deliver.
He said as more customers are moving to e-commerce platforms for daily needs, Shops targets to provide a fast and convenient way of making purchases.
“By using Shops, customers eliminate the need to drive to physical malls or shops, traffic congestion, parking and exposure to crowds, ensuring a safe and contact-free shopping experience,” he said.
Sayantan also said the service will act as a launch pad for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are looking to move their businesses online.
“It is fortunate that we are in a position to help local business owners and their employees as the Covid-19 pandemic has shuttered many physical stores worldwide, which were not able to move their business online readily. We hope that by providing the tools and guidance on the platform, we can help many SMEs to stay in business,” he said.
SMEs that are already partners include Hup Soon Food, Pasaraya Borong Matahari, Choice Shop Melaka, Agro Fresh Bites Subang, Nadia Fruits Bangsar and Pasaraya Sing Long Pasir Gudang in Johor.
Additionally, Sayantan said the platform recently partnered Tesco Malaysia to further strengthen its offerings with up to 3,000 more items ranging from fresh produce to groceries.
“Partnering Tesco gives our customers more choices and increased accessibility to them, as this will add 62 stores nationwide. Tesco was the first major retailer on Shops,” he said.
Moving forward, Sayantan said the platform will continue to bring in more vendors and work further with SMEs to increase its offerings and provide customers with more options.
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