Drinkly is an online marketplace which connects consumers to quality convenience stores in their area, enabling them to shop their entire product range online with delivery in around one hour.

The platform currently hosts more than 30 retailers and is offering free daytime deliveries on groceries and convenience goods.

John Robertson. founder and CEO of Drinkly, said: “Your corner shop, your local convenience store – it’s these businesses that are the unsung heroes in a crisis like COVID-19 when supermarket delivery schedules are struggling to cope with demand.

“The high street is providing a vital lifeline to the local community by getting essential supplies to residents when they need it but few retailers are capitalising on internet retail as a core revenue stream during this crisis.

“Modern technology is absolutely critical to the way we go about our lives during COVID-19, whether it’s accessing virtual office systems, taking part in live online exercise classes, or simply buying what we need to keep our households running as smoothly as possible, without leaving our homes.

“Most of the retailers now on our platform had no online retail presence before COVID-19 hit. We provide them with the tech to create an online store and start selling within a couple of weeks.

“For the consumer, they can shop in absolute peace of mind, knowing that it’s as safe and secure a process as it possibly can be and that they’re helping support the local economy at the same time.”

Since joining the platform, Drinkly’s first retail partner has recorded a 32% increase in turnover and an uplift in average basket spend by three times versus in-store purchases.

Mr Robertson added: “When so much is out of our control, I think it’s only natural that people want to keep as much normality in their lives as they can. Enjoying a glass of something nice at the weekend – even if it’s not in a bar with your friends – is one of life’s simple pleasures that seems worth protecting in these difficult times.”

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