Waitrose launches year-long click and collect trial

Waitrose has begun a year-long trial of temperature-controlled click and collect lockers at various locations across the UK.

The first two locations at Chorleywood and Ickenham TfL London Underground stations are now operating,  and Waitrose intends to open eight more sets of lockers at other TfL stations and Gatwick airport in the coming months.

The 12 month trial will allow consumers to collect their online grocery orders from ambient, frozen or chilled lockers at a convenient location. Orders will either be fulfilled by Waitrose branches, or from its online fulfilment centre in Acton, London.

Waitrose e-commerce proposition development manager Andrew Newton said: "This reflects the changing way that our customers live and shop, with convenience a prime motivation for shoppers in the 21st century.”

The operator has also begun recruiting for staff at its online fulfilment centre in Coulsdon, South London, which is due to open in spring 2015. It is seeking 250 staff to work at the 6 acre facility, which will have 80,000ft² of picking space.