Online grocery delivery provider Buymie has agreed a new partnership deal with UK retailer Asda, to offer a same-day grocery delivery service to Bristol and Leeds residents.
The new service marks Buymie's first partnership with a major UK retailer and will operate under the brand "Asda Express powered by buymie".
Buymie's network of personal shoppers will pick, pack and deliver each order, giving customers the ability to submit any preferences and discuss their requests - including the type of substitutes they would accept, if their original choice is unavailable.
Buymie will create 60 new jobs across both cities as a result of the Asda partnership, with the potential to create more if there is demand for the service.
Buymie is now available for 2 million people in Ireland and the UK and the addition of the new UK-based personal shoppers brings the total number of personal shoppers to about 500.
Co-founder and CEO of Buymie, Devan Hughes, said that with the impact of Covid and the acceleration of online adoption, speedy grocery delivery has become a must-win channel.
"Today, we are thrilled to be not only launching this partnership with Asda, but also the launch of an entirely new "powered by" enterprise technology," Mr Hughes said.
"Buymie is entirely unique in its approach, exclusively championing existing grocery retail brands, and handling the entire fulfilment process end-to-end from order placement, right through to in-store picking and delivery," he added.
Simon Gregg, Senior Vice President of e-Commerce at Asda, said as the company looks to further expand the number of convenient delivery options it offers, it knows its customers are increasingly looking for a more personalised service.
"The trial in Leeds and Bristol will give access to our full online range and a personal shopper experience for bigger basket shops through Buymie's interactive platform," Mr Gregg said.
"By partnering with Buymie we are able to offer express delivery in more locations more quickly, without the need to implement new technology, infrastructure or cause disruption to our store teams," he added.
