Metcash builds a digital grocery lifeline in 7 days

Metcash launched a headless WordPress site in 7 days to get vulnerable Australians contactless grocery access.

  • 7 days

    from engagement with WP Engine to launch

  • 30K

    people successfully registered

IGA home page screen shot

Client ProfileAustralia’s grocery network goes digital, fast

Exterior view of an IGA Marketplace grocery store with a prominent red IGA logo. Cars are parked in front, and the sky is blue.
Client Site
metcash.com (opens in a new tab)
Products

Metcash supports a network of independent Australian retailers, including 1,600 grocery stores, 2,700 liquor retailers, and 650 hardware stores, and reported $13 billion in FY20 sales.

  • The ChallengeA fast, government-driven deadline

    During the first weeks of COVID-19 quarantine, State and Federal agencies asked business leaders to help elderly and immunocompromised Australians order groceries and receive safe deliveries.

    Metcash needed an online storefront for independent grocers that could handle regional pricing differences, supply chain disruptions, and identity verification, all on a tight timeline.

  • The SolutionHeadless platform, built for speed

    Metcash built a headless site with a React front end on a WordPress and WooCommerce software back end. WP Engine returned recommendations within hours, and the site launched in seven days.

    Metcash’s marketing technology team built an identity system that verified customers and enabled retailers to sign in and manage logistics. Each retailer got a unique login and interface, keeping orders distinct. 

ResultsDemand Outpaced Even a Fast Launch

Metcash grew its offering from four product packages at launch to more than 1,800. On peak days, thousands registered, and about 30,000 people were approved.

A toll-free call center was set up and walked shoppers through checkout. Retailers handled last-mile deliveries; in some cases, this led to two-hour round trips in rural areas. These calls and deliveries surfaced personal stories, like people recovering from illness who were afraid to leave home, which gave the project deeper meaning for Metcash’s team: making sure people weren’t going hungry.

  • 1800

    products offered, from 4

  • 30K

    people approved

WP Engine was fantastic and came back to us in a handful of hours with their recommendations.

Marc Keegan Senior Manager of Digital Transformation, Metcash

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