Member Article

Leeds Market to use £100k investment to develop online click and collect

A computer game version of Leeds’ historic market will test if the market can occupy a prime retail position in the online marketplace.

The project will use software and technology normally used for gaming platforms to develop a virtual version of Kirkgate Market where shoppers can buy online for collection later.

Leeds City Council is working with Leeds Metropolitan University to develop the unique website and app for the market.

The £100k project is being funded by the UK’s innovation agency as part of an SRBI (Small Business Research Initiative) competition to encourage new ways of attracting people back to UK high streets.

Aiming to bring more people to the market, the click and collect project will help the market respond to consumer demands for more flexibility alongside the £12.3 million planned refurbishment. Key to the project will be a logistics solution that allows a mixture of produce from a variety of traders to be picked and stored safely and hygienically for collection later – potentially outside of normal market trading hours.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for development and economy, said: “Bringing the market alive online within a gaming platform for click and collect shopping is a new and exciting concept for the market.

“We know people want the quality and value only found in the market but with the convenience of online shopping.

“This will be a truly innovative website and app marrying these consumer demands in a virtual and real environment. The market’s traditional values will be supported by e-commerce, bringing more people to the actual market, not just the online version.

“The click and collect concept has massive potential. It could open up a new world of opportunities with traders embracing the digital economy in a way they haven’t been able to up until now.”

Professor Catherine Barnes, Leeds Metropolitan University, said: “Leeds Metropolitan University is delighted to be supporting the council to bring this innovative shopping technology to life.

“Our retail and technology experts are at the forefront of the new technologies and will use this expertise to bring Kirkgate Market to life in the digital world to attract new shoppers and delight existing customers.

“We believe that by offering the convenience of online retailing in a market environment could put Leeds and Kirkgate Market in a great place to take advantage of the future retailing landscape.”

Once the initial mock is completed and tested, the project will move into a second phase where all food and food-to-go traders will be brought into the virtual market. At this point, shoppers will be able to make actual purchases, with the expansion of the packing, storing and collection solution. Initially, the existing Shop and Drop store room will be used.

As people want more flexibility in market trading hours and to be able to buy products online, the resulting website and app will make shopping at Kirkgate Market easier and allow traders to adopt and take advantage of online business.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .