How a health challenge sparked a retail revolution
When Yash and Hirali found themselves confronting an everyday problem: the strain of carrying shopping bags. In a story that perfectly illustrates the adage “necessity is the mother of invention,” the duo turned personal adversity into opportunity. They envisioned a service that would let shoppers enjoy a day out without the burden of bags while enabling retailers to flourish in a fast‑evolving market.
Founded in 2019 with support from the university’s social enterprise programme, WeCarryBags launched as a hands‑free shopping concierge in Coventry. Their mission was simple: to make in‑store shopping as seamless and stress‑free as the online experience, regardless of a customer’s physical ability. The young entrepreneurs’ vision quickly resonated with fashion‑conscious consumers and high‑street shops alike.
A mission rooted in research and social impact
From the outset, Soni and Vegad conducted extensive market research across the UK and Europe. They discovered that shoppers often struggle to manage bags while queueing for fitting rooms or tills, particularly those with children or mobility challenges. They also noted safety concerns fear of robbery and rising carbon emissions from unnecessary car trips. These insights shaped WeCarryBags’ commitment to promote sustainable travel by encouraging shoppers to walk or use public transport.
The co-founders were equally motivated by the plight of brick‑and‑mortar retailers. After COVID‑19, many UK stores faced dwindling footfall and rising costs. WeCarryBags set out to support these businesses, which they view as core to the UK economy and tourism. Their research suggested that retailers who adopt the service could see sales rise by up to 120%. Today the company works with thousands of fashion and lifestyle stores across cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester as well as European destinations such as Paris, Cannes and Monaco. By acting as a Technology and service partner, WeCarryBags boosts footfall, dwell time and digital visibility, helping shops thrive while providing a premium service to customers.
Technology and expansion: more than just a bag carrier
Building on its hands‑free service, WeCarryBags has developed a sophisticated technology stack: a web application, store and admin dashboards, mobile apps and a proprietary single QR‑code system for bag registration. This infrastructure powers the company’s personal shopping service, launched in 2025, which uses AI to source limited‑edition items and store exclusives for clients. Customers simply upload a product link or image and set a budget; the system identifies the best offer among partner retailers and arranges delivery to destinations across the UK and abroad. Through this service, WeCarryBags has become a bridge between shoppers and luxury brands, from Polène handbags to in‑store exclusives by Represent, and now delivers goods to India, United Arab Emirates, South Korea and beyond.
The company’s technology remains ahead of the curve: more than ten developers have contributed to building and maintaining its platform, and the founders continually upgrade the user experience. In 2024 WeCarryBags redesigned its website using a scalable design system and modern UI/UX principles to double user engagement and improve checkout completion. Features such as the VAT refund calculator allowing international shoppers to estimate tax rebates on European purchases and value‑driven blog content keep users engaged and informed. As a result, WeCarryBags is poised to become a global retail tech player, with expansion plans that include the French Riviera, Dubai and other luxury destinations.
Growing the team and giving back
WeCarryBags’ success has translated into local employment and broader social impact. The company is actively recruiting, its careers page lists opportunities ranging from software development to customer service, and the founders emphasise diversity and inclusive culture. Beyond hiring, the founders have supported youth entrepreneurship, AI literacy workshops and digital marketing education initiatives. They also partner with community organisations to sponsor cultural events and champion sustainable retail practices.
Positive testimonials from shoppers and store owners reinforce the brand’s impact. Customers describe the service as “life‑changing,” allowing them to enjoy shopping days without physical strain, whether they’re in a wheelchair or navigating busy high streets. Retailers report higher sales, longer dwell times and increased online discovery since offering hands‑free delivery and personal shopping.
Inclusivity remains central to WeCarryBags’ mission. Recognising that its hands-free shopping service significantly benefits wheelchair users and shoppers with mobility challenges, the founders introduced exclusive discounted access for wheelchair customers reinforcing their commitment to accessible retail.
The company also supports responsible fashion practices by collecting selected dead stock from retailers and coordinating its delivery to the British Heart Foundation, enabling products to be reused within the community. In doing so, WeCarryBags aligns retail innovation with social and environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead
What started as a university project born out of personal hardship has evolved into an award‑winning, technology‑driven company with international reach. As WeCarryBags rolls out its Blue Pass membership for elite clients and prepares for new store partnerships across Europe and the Middle East, the co-founders remain focused on their core mission: making shopping accessible, sustainable and joyful for everyone. Their story is a testament to how empathy and innovation can reshape an industry—and why the UK’s retail landscape is watching closely.
Press contact:
Media Team, WeCarryBags UK
Email: support@wecarrybags.co.uk
