Shopping online is not entirely a new trend, but its adoption has spiraled with the increased need for eCommerce. Besides reducing the time and stress involved in visiting a mall or an open market for groceries and foodstuff, online ordering has become apparently necessary since some major cities in Nigeria are currently on lockdown and movements are restricted.
While some platforms have always rendered this service, other physical stores have also adapted their models to provide grocery deliveries.
Orders are placed via channels such as WhatsApp, websites, and mobile applications, and services provided cover a range of edibles and other home essentials.
Here is a non-definitive list, in no particular order, of online stores in Lagos and Abuja. It would be updated as much more spring up because one thing is almost definite, these platforms will get busy this period.
Nationwide
Jumia
- Coverage: Nationwide
- Channel: Website and mobile app
- Delivery fee: Flexible
- Delivery time: 1-4 days
- Deliverables: Household goods and health essentials
- Payment on Delivery: Yes
- Payment Method: PoS or Jumiapay
Nigeria's largest online retailer, Jumia provides a wide range of services but currently prioritises groceries and essential household items.
Normally, once an order is placed on the platforms, customers can pick it up at nearby warehouses; but for now, doorstep delivery is of priority.
For customers without access to the digital platforms, orders can also be placed through JForce agents -- Jumia's sales agent -- through a phone call. Payment is either made on delivery or to sales agent who completes the transaction online.
One Kiosk Africa
- Coverage: Nationwide
- Channel: Website, Whatsapp
- Delivery fee: Between ₦500 and ₦3,500 depending on the location
- Delivery time: Same day
- Deliverables: Fresh foodstuff and household essentials
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment methods: Card payment or bank transfer
Usually, all orders taken on the website are delivered in one hour. But mile 12 orders, only for Lagos residents, are done through WhatsApp and delivered the same day if made before 2pm. For this, One Kiosk Africa charges customers 10% of the total purchase as fee asides delivery charges.
Lagos
Easyshop Easycook Services Limited
- Coverage: All parts of Lagos except border areas
- Channel: Website
- Delivery fee: ₦500 - ₦1500 irrespective of weight, depending on the distance
- Delivery time: The same day if the order is placed before 10 am
- Deliverables: Foodstuff
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment method: Card payment and direct bank transfer
Similar to other platforms, it uses shoppers to pick out customers’ requests, and dispatch agents have them delivered the same day or next morning depending on location. Customers are advised to confirm goods before the delivery agent leaves. However, the company’s return policy allows for an immediate refund or return of goods in case of damage.
PricePally
- Coverage: All locations in Lagos
- Channel: Website, App
- Delivery fee: Flexible
- Delivery time: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- Deliverables: Foodstuff
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment method: Card payment
Customers make purchases on the digital platforms, and pickup services are available to deliver the items at customers’ doorstep within 24 hours. One distinguishing feature of PricePally is the option of shared payment for bulky goods, say a bag of grains, between friends or other buyers on the platform.
Supermart.ng
- Coverage: All locations in Lagos
- Channel: Website
- Delivery fee: Flexible
- Delivery time: Depending on when the order was placed
- Deliverables: Household goods
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment method: Card payment
When all goods are not entirely available in stock, Supermart.ng also outsources items from other physical stores, so that customer’s orders are completely delivered on request.
The Market Foodshop
- Coverage: All parts of Lagos
- Channel: Website and Whatsapp
- Delivery fee: ₦1000 for 1kg and below
- Delivery time: Same day or next day for orders placed after 10 am
- Deliverables: All foodstuff, other edibles, and toiletries
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment methods: Bank transfer
There’s a link on the website that redirects to a WhatsApp chat with a salesperson especially to request for fresh produce. However, order is not processed until payment is confirmed. There’s also an option to pre-order for items not included in stock when shopping, and it will be included within 72 hours. Likewise, wholesale purchase is possible.
Mile 12 Online Shopping
- Coverage: Anywhere in Lagos
- Channel: Website and Whatsapp
- Delivery fee: ₦1000
- Delivery time: Same day
- Deliverables: Vegetables and fresh produce
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment methods: Bank transfer
This platform lets customers request for foodstuff, especially fresh produce, for same-day delivery. All supplies are displayed on the website and can be ordered in measured quantity, not necessarily bulk, depending on the customer's capacity.
Vernon foods
- Coverage: Ogba, Ikeja
- Channel: Website, Whatsapp
- Delivery fee: Free
- Delivery time: Same day
- Deliverables: Fresh foodstuff
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment methods: Bank transfer
Orders are placed via WhatsApp – phone number is available on the website – and delivery is processed within hours following payment and receipt of bank transfer proof. The company claims to have more coverage when there are no movement restrictions.
Hubmart stores
- Coverage: All parts of Lagos
- Channel: Phone calls (From the website)
- Delivery fee: ₦500 - ₦1000 depending on proximity to the store
- Delivery time: Between 10am- 4pm (Late orders are extended to the net day)
- Deliverables: Household essentials
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment Method: Bank transfer
Delivery service is currently available at all Hubmart stores in Lagos. Customers order groceries by placing a call across to the sales representative at the closest store via contacts on the website. After confirming payments, the delivery may not be made immediately because multiple orders have to be processed before dispatch for delivery.
Foodlocker
- Coverage: Lagos
- Channel: Website, phone calls, WhatsApp chat
- Delivery fee: Flexible
- Delivery time: Within 24 hours
- Deliverables: Groceries
- Payment on Delivery: No
- Payment method: Card payment
Foodlocker allows customers to specify what time of the day they want to receive their orders, however, within specified times. After payment confirmation, the customer would be informed of the shipment time and estimated delivery time. At locations with physical stores, customers are also allowed to pick up their orders in-store.
Abuja
Mart.ng
- Coverage: Abuja
- Channel: Website
- Delivery fee: ₦499 to ₦1,999 depending on the location, and extra charges for immediate delivery
- Delivery time: Same day
- Deliverables: Groceries
- Payment on delivery: No
- Payment method: Card payment
Mart.ng has shoppers that go to markets and stores to shop for customers that have placed a request on the website and orders can be delivered in less than an hour. Customers are, however, expected to look through the shipping guidelines and delivery locations before completing their orders to know other cost implications and discounts.
Nkataa
- Coverage: Abuja
- Channel: Website
- Delivery fee: Flexible
- Delivery time: Same day
- Deliverables: Fresh Foodstuff, household goods and health groceries
- Payment on delivery: Yes
- Payment method: POS and cash
For what seems unlikely with other platforms, Nkataa permits that cash can be collected on delivery. The platform also makes sure customers eat healthy meals without leaving their home with Nkataa kitchen.
City market Online Nigeria
- Coverage: Abuja
- Channel: Website
- Delivery fee: Flexible
- Delivery time: Same day
- Deliverables: Foodstuff
- Payment on delivery: Yes
- Payment method: Bank transfer, card payment, and cash
Asides ordering on the website, customers also could call their phone numbers to place an order. City market Online Nigeria also offers free shipping for purchases costing above ₦30,000.
Belle.ng
Coverage: Abuja
Channel: Website
Delivery fee: Flexible
Delivery time: Less than 1hour
Deliverables: Foodstuff, household goods, and health essentials
Payment on delivery: No
Payment method: Bank transfer, card payment, and cash
Asides groceries and food, Belle.ng also helps to purchase and deliver cooking gas and fuel. In addition to this, on the website is an option – withdraw cash – where cash can be delivered on request.
Also Read: How Lagos FMCG players are adjusting to lockdown order
