UK: Waitrose announces drive through click and collect
Waitrose said shoppers will be able to order groceries online at Waitrose.com and pick them up from a collection area in the branch car park in designated time slots. It said the free service complements Waitrose’s established in-store grocery collection service – available in 157 Waitrose branches – and will be rolled out to further branches based on customer feedback.
Waitrose said it will also be trialling self-service ‘collection pods’ in some locations by the end of the year. It said the pods will have chambers at different temperatures which shoppers can drive up to and unlock with a code supplied to them at the time of placing their online order.
Waitrose ecommerce director, Robin Phillips, said: “This investment marks a turning point in our ambitions to become a truly omnichannel retailer.
“The introduction of drive-throughs and, later this year, collection pods gives time-pressed customers even greater choice about how to receive orders made through Waitrose.com.
“The free service will appeal to busy parents with kids in tow as well as young professionals and anyone who wants to collect pre-picked and packaged orders when it suits them.”
Source: talkingretail.com
