John Lewis is extending its click & collect partnership with the Co-op to over 500 stores by the end of summer.
The move will double the number click & collect locations for the department store’s online orders to nearly 900 and expand its reach further around the UK.
John Lewis launched its tie-up with the Co-op in May last year. The retailer stated the extension of the service was part of its parent company’s plans to invest in digital capabilities and collaborations to enhance the customer experience.
Andrew Murphy, Executive Director of Operations at the John Lewis Partnership said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a significant shift to online shopping and expect this trend to continue. As a result, we are dedicated to providing more choice when it comes to how our customers receive their purchases, helping our customers shop how and when they want us. This includes providing more locations for collection and returns for online shopping.”
Mark Matthews, Director of Innovation and Format, Co-op, said: “With our stores located at the heart of local communities, choice, ease and convenience is at the very core of our approach. We continue to look for new ways to innovate and expand access to products and services conveniently – by working together we can offer further flexibility and choice to meet consumer needs locally.”
The phased roll-out of John Lewis click & collect to additional Co-op food stores has already started and is expected to be complete during September. 400 new Co-op stores will be added to the 105 existing locations which already offer the service.
Shoppers are also able to collect their orders from John Lewis shops, 326 Waitrose outlets and 12 Booths locations.
Earlier this week, John Lewis launched a virtual personal shopping service. Using Zoom video calling, staff will show customers around John Lewis department stores in Southampton and London. The move follows the virtual consultations with expert staff which were offered during lockdown when all the John Lewis stores were closed.
