Woolworths has opened its first-ever drive-through in Australia, shaking up the way the rest of the country could shop in the future.
The first Direct to Boot drive-through has opened in the wealthy eastern Sydney suburb of Rose Bay just in time for Christmas and the busy summer months.
The drive-through is an extension of the 'Direct to Boot' option customers already have in 700 Woolies stores.
Unlike current locations, the Rose Bay pick-up point at Old South Road and Albemarle Avenue does not have a traditional store where customers can walk in and purchase groceries.
Woolies announced last year plans to turn the old eyesore Caltex petrol station into a grocery pick-up center at a cost of $560,000.
The new Direct to Boot Woolworths drive-thru store where customers don't have to get out of their cars
Woolworths said at the time that the contactless delivery service would save shoppers time and reduce the risk of exposure to Covid.
Since opening late last week, customers have been able to place an order online or via the Woolworths app.
There are eight places where customers can pick up their groceries and when they park somewhere, all they have to do is confirm they have arrived via the app or a text message link.
A Woolworths team member will then put the order straight into the boot at no extra charge.
“We are pleased that customers can try out the innovative design of a standalone Direct to Boot service, which will allow them to get on and off with a car full of groceries in minutes,” eComX managing director Sally Copland told Ny Breaking. Australia.
“We know our customers are busier than ever before and that's why we've launched a new Direct to Boot drive-thru for local residents in Rose Bay and surrounding areas.”
There are eight parking spaces for customers who need to place their order online or in the Woolworths app
As soon as a customer confirms in the app or via text message that he has arrived, an employee delivers the groceries directly to the trunk, at no charge
In the meantime, Woolworths plans to use the site as a Direct to Boot service, soliciting feedback from the local community.
Andrew Loveday, property development director at Woolworths, thanked the council for their support.
“We appreciate Woollahra Council's support in helping to establish this, as we continue our collaborative approach with planning teams and the Rose Bay community on our long-term plans for the site,” he said.
The only downside is that customers will need to plan ahead as orders are fulfilled at the Mascot facility and taken to Rose Bay for collection.
The new stand-alone Direct to Boot facility can distribute approximately 50 orders per day.