John Lewis announces increase in click and collect network

John Lewis, the largest department store group in the U.K., recently announced it will double the number of branches offering its Click and Collect service, which enables consumers to collect their online shopping purchases at various branches. By the end of October, the retailer plans to have 119 collection points throughout the country, with 28 John Lewis department stores and 24 online grocery store Waitrose branches.

Internet Retailing reported the Click and Collect service is the fastest growing delivery channel, accounting for 20 percent of the retailer's online orders. The initiative enables shoppers to order from the retailer's website with free delivery and pick up the items at a local outlet. Andy Street, John Lewis managing director, said the service has been key for customers purchasing food from Waitrose stores.

"Looking to the future, it will be a key element in developing our multichannel strategy even further by extending collection points to many more parts of the country," Street told the news source.

Retail Gazette reported in the week ending in September 2, Waitrose branches of John Lewis recorded a 9.9 percent growth in trading year-over-year. Mark Williamson, commercial director of Waitrose, told the news source that the economy has forced many families to have stay-at-home vacations and are ordering groceries while relaxing.

"Our Waitrose.com team have been delivering an increasing amount of orders to campsites, holiday homes and even canal boats," Williamson told the news source.