From the store to your door

As the first store in Australia to launch a home delivery service with over 1,000 products available, Buddy’s Convenience Store has initiated a service catering for residents and businesses of the CBD and Eastern Suburbs.

Director of buddys.com.au, Buddy Chebib said while other retailers offer online ordering and home delivery, they may be limited to three-hour delivery windows and no late-night deliveries. The idea was brought to fruition after realising the need to cater to busy local residents and businesses by filling gaps with faster delivery times and late-night deliveries up to 1am.

“I have been involved in the grocery industry for over 20 years,” Mr Chebib said. “We wanted a point of difference so looked into developing the concept of delivering convenience items to busy people who may not be able to leave the workplace or home.”

Covering around 30 suburbs in the CBD and east, the convenience store guarantees door-to-door service within 60 minutes using a team of five to ten drivers. There are two Buddy’s stores in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.

“We cater for a large demographic including businesses, hospitals and residential including the delivery of products ranging from toothpaste and shampoo to party packs including chips, drinks and chocolates,” Mr Chebib said. “This is especially convenient when it rains … people do not need to come outside to the shops.”

Spokesperson for consumer group Choice, Ingrid Just said the delivery aspect gives consumers another option aside from shopping at larger retailers and walking to a store in the CBD or east.

“Lots of stores are providing online delivery these days,” she said. “This option provides an additional service to tourists, locals and business people. Within the city there are many convenient stores but it will appeal to some people who are willing to pay the delivery fee for the convenience … some consumers will still be happy to walk down to the shops.”

Ms Just said current trends in online shopping reveal a sector growth of 20 to 40 per cent in 2011 with some stores closing storefronts and specifically opting for an online shop.

“Stores need to remain competitive and so we are seeing more go for the online option in some cases in preference to a storefront,” she said. “The trends indicate a growth in online shopping especially last year.”