Data specialist says c-stores need to respond to delivery apps challenge

Its latest analysis argues that delivery apps were the “breakout stars” of 2021, with apps including Getir, Zapp and Weezy increasing their business by 123% in the last five months of the year, compared to a 22% decrease for convenience stores and traditional supermarkets.

The report noted that convenience brands are responding by linking up with delivery services to tap into the growing appetite for groceries delivered to the door.

Charlotte Jamieson, partnerships director at Cardlytics UK said: “The food sector has experienced a disruptive transformation this year with the rise of rapid grocery delivery apps and the continued success of takeaway platforms, driven by increasingly online-savvy and time-poor customers.

“Rising cases of Omicron spelled a muted festive period for restaurants and pubs while delivery platforms celebrated a record Christmas, as consumers opted for takeaways on the sofa over drinks at their local to celebrate the season.

“Despite an absence of new restrictions, consumer confidence signals new pressure on restaurants and bricks-and-mortar grocers to improve their online and delivery presence.

“For those brands that want to move their loyal customers to new online channels, offering online-only discounts and exclusive online ranges should be front of mind.”