Supermarket Waitrose is testing temperature controlled lockers that will allow customers to pick up food orders placed online without going into stores.
The fully-automated collection lockers are part of a plan to expand the grocery chain's click and collect offer and are being tested by staff at the Waitrose head office in Bracknell.
It is expected the chilled, frozen and ambient lockers will be rolled-out to branches next year. Customers will be receive a text message containing a PIN number, drive to the lockers and collect their shopping.
The service will be free with orders over £50 and will be available the next day if placed before 11.45am.
Waitrose internet sales increased 50.1 per cent in the first quarter. Its click and collect service has been available in 150 branches since 2009. Waitrose said a three month trial of its drive-through service at five Waitrose shops has proved successful and will be introduced to more stores next year.
'Giving our customer as many ways as possible to buy and collect their groceries on the move is key to building on the phenomenal growth seen at Waitrose.com. Collection locker will unlock the potential to reach customers in locations where we don't have a shop and which are very convenient, such as on the way home from work or the school run,' said Waitrose ecommerce director Robin Philips.
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