SURFLOGH

Good Goods – doing good

25 May 2020 - Published by Deirdre Buist
During the pandemic, the capacity of the popular spring market at the city square in Borås has reduced significantly. Local traders and citizens cannot - or are reluctant to - go to market. The Surflogh pilot Good Goods is now doing good by providing a helpful free service while also testing how to develop and expand with home deliveries.

Normally the market square is a bustling centre of activity where local producers sell their products at the weekend. In keeping with health regulations and distancing requirements the number of stalls has been limited. As business slowed down dramatically, Sara Thiel, business developer and Surflogh’s project leader for the City of Borås, saw opportunities to develop and test new logistics ideas.

Free home delivery service

Sara: “We want to support both traders and citizens in these difficult times. So far, the Good Goods pilot has focused on the transport of goods and waste to and from our city centre. But even before the Corona crisis we’d been discussing home deliveries as an interesting concept to add on to the business model. Now we have an ideal opportunity to test, learn and evaluate the possibilities, while also providing a free service. Together with the partnership association Borås City, we’re testing the concept of free home deliveries two days a week.”

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Online orders

Dealers  offer their produce via the Borås City's website where customers can then reserve an order by phone or SMS. The Good Goods electric vehicle delivers free to the door within the city limits. Borås’ City Manager Caroline Wallin: “We believe in inclusion and at the same time we must respect the limits of social distancing, for everyone’s well-being. It feels good to be able to do this together with Good Goods.”

If these trials are successful, the delivery concept will be developed further.