Monoprix launches new automated Ocado warehouse in France
Monoprix launches new online service using Ocado technology
Following a soft launch, which has been running since the end of March, Monoprix has introduced its new service, Monoprix Plus.
The service, which is initially only available in part of Île-de-France, adds to the retailer’s existing offer, enabling shoppers to click and collect orders at one of its stores, enjoy same day delivery, with Monoprix Express, and next day delivery, through Monoprix Plus. Monoprix’s collaboration with Amazon still operates, enabling shoppers, through the latter’s Prime service, to receive deliveries in two to three hours.
New warehouse to enable Monoprix to expand offer
The automated warehouse, which uses Ocado’s technology, is in Fleury-Mérogis, in southern Paris. The warehouse and delivery are managed by Casino’s own subsidiary, O'logistique. To access the new service shoppers use a dedicated website, courses.monoprix.fr, which, according to trade publication Lineaires, provides subtly different information and product photos versus the retailer’s main web site.
The minimum basket size is €50, which is below that for the standard site, where it is €60. However, delivery fees are higher, with Monoprix Plus costing €9.98 for orders of less than €100, versus €8 for the standard site, while it costs €4.99 for an order between €100 and €150, with free deliveries made for orders over €150. Monoprix has said delivery fees may vary depending on the day of the week and during the days and so lower fees may be applied for off-peak hours.
Service to grow in scale and reach over time
Casino is said to be targeting a potential turnover from the warehouse of €500m in four to five years’ time. The retailer has reached this figure by thinking the site should process 100,000 orders a week, with each basket being between €100 and €150.
Trade publication LSA quoted Monoprix Online’s chief executive, Nathalie Mesny, who said demand for online orders through the retailer’s web site had multiplied by four and for click and collect by seven because of the coronavirus lockdown. This, Mesny said, underlined the demand for grocery ecommerce, which the new warehouse and service could help meet.
Initially shoppers will be able to choose from a range of 35,000 SKUs, but this will be expanded to 50,000 from 2021. Also being considered for next year is the running of a test, which would see delivery being extended into the north of France, using relay sites as a way to reach shoppers further away.
Source: Jon Wright @ Supplychainanalysis.com (May 26, 2020)
