Fast deliveries: A strategic advantage for large retailers’ omnichannel success

The fast delivery revolution is here. 

Nearly half of consumers want faster deliveries, and businesses that recognize this are gaining market share quickly. Speed is no longer a nice-to-have feature. It’s a key driver of success.

The rise of ‘fast’ in omnichannel delivery

Fast delivery isn't just about moving products faster. It keeps customers loyal by closing the gap between wanting a product and getting it. Where traditional e-commerce measures delivery in days, the new reality delivers in minutes. It meets customers exactly when and where they need it. 

One way businesses address this shift is by leveraging platforms like Wolt. By tapping into Wolt’s existing logistics network, retailers can expand their customer base and boost sales, all while using it as a supplementary marketing and customer acquisition channel. In fact, 28% of consumers say they use Wolt to find new retail shops. 

Nicky Camilleri, CEO of Welbee’s, Malta’s second-largest supermarket (based on store footprint), says: “ I like to refer to the song by Queen—’I Want It All’, because nowadays people want it all and they want it now. So, that’s where Wolt comes in very, very strongly. The Wolt platform is instant, it’s fast; it’s now.”

Fast delivery is important for companies planning for the future. Here are five reasons why it should be a key part of any omnichannel strategy.

1. Speed and agility: Meet customers where they are

Today’s consumers want immediacy, with 31% of global shoppers expecting orders to arrive in under two hours. If businesses fail to meet these expectations, customers can easily look elsewhere.

How speed delivers results:

• Faster order fulfillment leads to higher customer satisfaction and repeat purchases.

• Meeting and exceeding customer expectations improves long-term customer retention.

• Fast delivery reduces cart abandonment rates. Customers are far more likely to complete purchases if they know orders will arrive quickly. 

2. Customer experience: Turn convenience into loyalty

Fast delivery is about convenience, and convenience directly impacts the overall customer experience. 46% of consumers say they’re willing to pay more for faster delivery. This shows how important fast deliveries are in elevating the end-to-end customer experience.  

By incorporating fast delivery into your offering, you build positive and repeatable customer experiences. Customers increasingly pick retailers based on how quickly they can get what they want. If a favorite store doesn’t offer fast delivery, 24% of buyers will likely switch brands.

Consumers expect convenience. Deliver on it, and they’ll remain loyal.

3. Operational efficiency: Maximize resources for growth

Embracing fast delivery can transform both speed and operational efficiency. By leveraging existing stores and infrastructure as mini fulfillment centers, retailers can boost revenue without adding extra rent or more physical space.  

How fast delivery improves efficiency:

• Maximized store potential: Generate more sales from existing locations without expanding your footprint or increasing rent.

• Faster delivery from your warehouse: Fast delivery capabilities let businesses serve online customers the same day, improving inventory turnover and logistics planning. 

Miha Deu, Head of Spar Online at Spar Slovenia, shares: “When we started, store managers questioned why we should do this at all. The shift in mindset was crucial—understanding that Wolt isn’t just a logistics solution but an additional revenue channel.”

4. Customer acquisition: Expand reach across channels

Fast delivery isn’t just about getting orders out the door quickly. It’s also about meeting customers online, where they seek ideas and inspiration. As online shopping continues to grow, businesses must ensure they appear where customers are browsing.  

Why this matters: 

• 64% of consumers gather shopping inspiration online, making digital visibility essential. 

• 35% of businesses said they wouldn’t even have an online presence without Wolt or other delivery services. 

• A Wolt retail customer study revealed that 75% of their Wolt customers had rarely or never shopped at their physical stores before, showing how partnering with a local commerce platform exposes brands to an entirely new audience.  

Miha Deu sums it up: “If you are not on some platform like Wolt, you are missing out on sales. You don’t need to worry about cannibalization—actually, with this, you attract additional customers.”

5. Competitive edge: Stand out in a crowded market

Speed gives businesses a competitive advantage, drawing in new customers and capturing more market share. In fact, 59% of global consumers are more likely to buy from brands they see as digitally innovative. Fast delivery is increasingly seen as a sign of innovation.

Why speed matters:

• Offering rapid delivery provides customers with ultra convenience on a silver platter, boosting brand trust.

• It demonstrates a customer-centric approach, meeting the rising bar for speedy service. 

• You can outpace competitors who still rely on slower, more traditional fulfillment models.

Fast delivery: A strategic imperative

Wolt has powered over 100 million retail orders, and one thing is clear: fast delivery isn’t just a trend, it’s a growth engine for retailers of all sizes. It complements existing sales channels, elevates customer satisfaction, and deepens brand loyalty. 

Integrating fast delivery into your omnichannel strategy helps you:

• Boost sales and grow your customer base beyond the physical store.

• Improve operational efficiency without extra overhead. 

• Attract first-time shoppers and retain loyal customers. 

• Differentiate your brand in an increasingly competitive market.

At Wolt, we don’t just deliver quickly. We help businesses turn speed into a sustainable competitive advantage. With our scalable logistics network, ready-to-buy audience, and easy-to-use platform, you can turn customer demand into real, long-term growth.