The launch of a Nottingham click and collect website could revolutionise the dreaded city Christmas shop, a retailers’ group says.
The Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) has launched YOOHOPP, where people can buy items from national and independent chain stores and collect them at their own convenience.
It is hoped it will encourage people turning to online shopping to keep spending in Nottingham, even if they don’t want to come in and browse in the build-up to Christmas.
Nicola Tidy, BID director, said: ” Click and collect is obviously available at many stores, but YOOHOPP is a first for the UK and Nottingham is taking the lead. Once launched here it will then be introduced in other towns and cities.”
Picture : A couple mimiced online shopping from home for the launch of YOOHOPP website
The group turned shoppers’ heads with a stunt at the Robin Hood Statue on Castle Road for the launch.
A couple and their dog browsed the new YOOHOPP website while sitting on a sofa under a blanket, symbolising the idea of being able to shop in Nottingham city centre from the comfort of home.
Ms Tidy added: “People will be able to head into Nottingham safe with the knowledge that their orders are ready and waiting, leaving them more time to enjoy the city’s other attractions.”
The website has hundreds of retailers and millions of products and is aimed at making the shopping experience quicker and easier.
The site allows people to shop 24 hours a day without relying on deliveries and associated costs and returning items.
Lynn Oxborrow, retail expert at Nottingham Trent University said: “YOOHOPP means greater convenience when located close to work and leisure facilities and could reduce the environmental and cost impact of last mile deliveries to individual addresses.”
Video: Nicola Tidy, Nottingham BID director talks about the benefits of the YOOHOPP website