The Co-op Group is to host a click and collect delivery and returns service for John Lewis in more than 500 of its stores.
The fast track service is set to be in place by the end of summer and will increase the number of click and collect locations for the John Lewis Partnership to nearly 900.
The extension of the service is part of John Lewis’s plans to invest in digital capabilities and collaborations which make the shopping experience even more convenient and closer to customers; where and when they want to shop.
Mark Matthews, director of innovation and format at the Group, 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, and by working together we can offer further flexibility and choice to meet consumer needs, conveniently.”
Andrew Murphy, executive director of operations at John Lewis, 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.
“The Partnership is always looking for ways to reach new customers and support local communities, by providing access to the amazing range of products we sell, through convenient locations.
“Building on our already successful partnership with the Co-op, this extension will allow us to offer our Click & Collect service to double the number of locations across the country; enabling us to reach more of our existing loyal customers while engaging with new ones too.”
The phased roll-out to additional Co-op Group stores started this month and is expected to be complete during September, with 400 new Group stores to be added to the 105 already in place.
Customers can also access John Lewis Click & Collect at all 50 John Lewis shops, 326 Waitrose branches and 12 Booths locations across the country.
