Waitrose to expand online delivery service in preparation for split from Ocado
Waitrose is rolling out its own online delivery service to a further 24 shops as it prepares for its split from Ocado.
From 1 September, Ocado will be unable to sell any Waitrose products on its site so Waitrose food and drink will only be available on Waitrose.com.
Currently, 150 Waitrose shops cover deliveries across the UK and people in 84% of active UK postcodes are able to order shopping from Waitrose.com.
As well as adding 24 new shops, the retailer is working to increase the stores’ order capacity. In addition, a new customer fulfilment centre serving London is due to open in Enfield in the coming months
Waitrose digital director Ben Stimson said: “We have robust plans in place to extend our reach ahead of September. We have significant investment planned for the coming months across our infrastructure, website and service – creating more delivery slots and employing a fleet of new drivers. And adding online capability to these 24 more of our shops will mean we can reach even more of the country.”
Other plans include launching or redeveloping more than 5,000 Waitrose own label products this year.
Stimson added: “We are well prepared for the boost in demand and capacity has already been tested with our busiest ever online order week – the week before Christmas in 2019.”
