Canadian Delivery Platform SkipTheDishes Expands into Groceries

Canadian restaurant delivery platform SkipTheDishes is moving into grocery delivery with its new Skip Express Lane service, according to reports.

After a successful trial run over the summer, Skip Express Lane is expanding across Canada with the opening of 38 fulfillment centers by the middle of this year. The new service delivers groceries and everyday essentials in 25 minutes or less.

Skip Express Lane has been live in Winnipeg since July; London, Ontario since August; and now in downtown Toronto, Ontario; and Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. The national rollout aligns with plans to increase the number of household items it carries.

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SkipTheDishes CEO Kevin Edwards said in a press release that Skip Express Lane delivers “more value” to its customers and is becoming an “indispensable part” of people’s lives in Canada.

“To us, Skip Express Lane is not just a convenient option for Canadians, but it’s another way we are working hard to support local businesses through the pandemic and beyond,” Edwards said.

The new service moves beyond the 400 items offered by convenience stores on Skip and will deliver over 1,500 products at “grocery store prices,” according to the release. Exclusive offerings from Skip restaurant partners and local businesses are also part of the service.

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SkipTheDishes also plans to collaborate with local businesses to offer hometown merchandise in every Skip Express Lane location. The fulfillment centers are open every day from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

“Skip Express Lane fills an important gap in the market. Canadians will now be able to get everyday essentials and grocery items delivered to your door in 25 minutes or less,” said Howard Migdal, chief operating officer of SkipTheDishes.

“Even during peak demand, when we’re processing several orders a minute, orders are packed and out the door in under 10 minutes for delivery,” Migdal added.

SkipTheDishes was acquired by Just Eat Takeaway.com in May 2020 for about $110 million. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Just Eat Takeaway.com has over 155,000 connected restaurants in its network.