Tesco puts click and collect model to the test

Tesco’s launch of the nation’s first drive-thru supermarket service will give the retailer the edge in the online grocery business, according to a leading retail analyst.

Tesco
Tesco: Extending delivery options for online customers

The supermarket is targeting customers that are too busy to visit a store or wait for online grocery orders to be delivered.

The “click and collect” service means that customers can order their shopping online and select a two-hour collection slot to pick it up at the supermarket.

It is being trialled at Tesco’s Baldock Extra store in Hertfordshire and may be rolled out and become a permanent service

Simon Chinn, retail consultant at Verdict, says the trial illustrates Tesco’s willingness to try new retail concepts and techniques that have proved successful in other parts of the world.

“There is also significant potential for Tesco to extend the service to its dotcom-only stores that handle online orders. A similar model was pioneered by Auchan’s Chronodrive in France.

“Tesco could create pick-up areas at these dotcom distribution warehouses to allow customers to collect their online grocery orders from these locations.”

Tesco says the service will benefit families and young professionals.