Chinese online marketplace AliExpress has launched its hourly delivery service in the United Kingdom. Shoppers in London who order packaged food, beverages and everyday household items can now enjoy same-day delivery. The platform wants to expand the service in the rest of the country soon.
Just last month, the online marketplace announced that it was launching Local+, a fulfillment solution that allows retailers to outsource shipping, in Europe. It acquired several warehouses in the UK, Spain and Germany.
Platform opens to sellers from UK
Now, the platform is expanding its position in the United Kingdom. With the hourly delivery service, selected sellers can deliver their products in the same day as the order was placed. So far, an online grocer and delivery service called Hungry Panda is the first to use AliExpress’ hourly delivery service.
‘This move reflects our mission to support local businesses’
So far, online sellers from a few European countries could join the platform. But AliExpress has now announced that sellers and suppliers from the United Kingdom are free to join. “Local businesses and suppliers can connect with millions of shoppers on AliExpress and consumers can get faster shipping on a wider range of products. This move reflects our commitment to provide upgraded service to consumers and our mission to support local businesses”, said Bonnie Zhao, general manager at AliExpress UK.
Shipped within three days
There is a larger amount of businesses that are eligible for this service, which means that consumers can order furniture, large lighting, garden accessories, kitchen gadgets and more from local sellers through AliExpress. According to the platform, locally shipped orders can be delivered within three days.
