When COVID-19 became a serious threat in Canada, the logistics industry had to quickly respond to an increase in deliveries. With social distancing measures in place, people began ordering everything from online retailers with delivery. Groceries, home essentials, clothing, prescriptions, toiletries and anything else you can think of is now begin delivered to homes across the country.
Customers all across the retail industry are switching to home delivery instead of visiting stores—people have swapped browsing shelves and racks for shopping through their browser of choice.
Large retailers leverage their established delivery networks
Home delivery juggernaut Amazon has seen a drastic increase in revenue when compared to the same quarter in 2019. With a 26.39% increase, it’s clear that more and more consumers are turning to home delivery options to avoid going into physical stores.
While Amazon doesn’t have a physical store where consumers can choose to shop, Walmart stores have still been open to the public. Yet they have still seen a 74% increase in online sales during the pandemic.
Even grocery stores have noticed an increase in online orders—28% of Canadian shoppers say they shop online for groceries compared to only 6% just 18 months ago.
There is no denying that this shift to home delivery is a great way to flatten the curve. But what impact will it have on the way we shop?
Small, local retailers are left behind
Large retailers, like the Amazons, Walmarts, and Home Depots of the world, are changing consumer behaviour and expectations with the help of their established delivery networks. Consumers have come to expect fast home delivery services not only from large retailers but from small local retailers as well.
This leaves small local retailers in a difficult position—they don’t have the same established delivery networks that allow larger retailers to have quick and reliable home delivery. Your local clothing store, pharmacy, furniture retailer, or even grocery store does not have the same resources as Walmart or Amazon to fulfil customer expectations of fast home delivery.
As social distancing measures continue, the expectation that all home deliveries can be quick, efficient, and free is rooting itself in the minds of consumers. The expectation is that local retailers will keep up with the larger retailers in terms of home deliveries.
The rising need for on-demand delivery services
On-demand delivery services may be the lifeline local retailers need to stay afloat in our new home delivery reality.
At Trooper Moves, we realize the need for a reliable on-demand package delivery network to help local retails meet customer demands. Our team of Troopers are always available to help deliver packages—big or small—across the GTA.
If you are looking to tap into a network of on-demand, professional delivery people to manage deliveries for your local business, we want to help create a solution that works for you. Email us today at [email protected].