Coventry University graduates combine in-store and online shopping through new app

Two Coventry University graduates have teamed up to produce a new app that combines the benefits of in-store shopping with the convenience of home delivery.

CarryBags Ltd will give shoppers the chance to have their in-store purchases delivered to a convenient location of their choice, removing the burden of carrying bags while out shopping.

Hirali Soni and Yash Vegad both came to the UK from India to study at Coventry University before co-founding CarryBags upon completing their degree studies in Interior Design and Construction Project and Cost Management respectively. They have been supported by Coventry University Enterprise Hub to get their business off the ground.

Their aim is to bring the convenience of online to the in-store shopping experience, particularly for those with injuries or disabilities, those with childcare responsibilities while shopping and those who don’t have access to public or private transport.

They also hope their platform can help to support high-street retailers who are facing increasing challenges from online competitors. The CarryBags app is being tested with local businesses, including an eclectic range of stores in Coventry’s Fargo Village.

Their business idea was sparked when Hirali developed a back problem at the age of 23, hindering her ability to lift heavy objects and limiting her mobility, which made everyday necessities like shopping a challenge. The graduates have since developed the business idea and it is now close to being launched into the UK market.

Hirali said: “This concept is about bridging the gap between the in-store and online shopping experiences, offering fast, simple and convenient home delivery to those who prefer to shop in-store and bringing together the best of both worlds. We truly believe that in a country like the UK there should always be a solution, so we were determined and assured that there must be a better way to shop, which kickstarted this business idea.”

The Coventry University Enterprise Hub has supported Hirali and Yash with a wide range of business support and the CarryBags co-founders have been looking to give back to the university by offering students internship opportunities.

The Enterprise Hub provides students and graduates from both the UK and overseas with pivotal support for Visa applications in order to start UK-based businesses, as well as office space, business mentoring and much more.

Yash said: “Without Coventry University and the Enterprise Hub we simply would not be where we are today. The support they’ve given us has been amazing and it has pushed the boundaries of our business potential. We’ve been delighted to be able to offer students the chance to collaborate with us and gain vital experience, and we’re very proud to say they have helped us to get to where we are today. It feels really good to be able to give back to the university and its students.”

Sumayyah Hussain, Enterprise Hub Manager at Coventry University Social Enterprise, said: “It has been very exciting to see Hirali and Yash become established entrepreneurs.

"I was their mentor throughout their start-up journey and their hard work has paid off. Both successfully were able to bring their business idea alive through the business support services we provide at the Enterprise Hub.”