The news that Tesco is taking on Amazon with a one-hour grocery delivery service in central London this week shows how intense the battle is between the big players as they strive to meet customers’ impatient needs. Our nation really is turning into a nation of ‘I want it nows’ as customers look for convenience and speed.
To manage such a quick turnaround system will require that Tesco’s delivery systems work smoothly and without problem – which was not the case last week when on one of the hottest days of the year Tesco customers found their grocery orders had been cancelled after problems with the IT system that support it.
Amazon itself meanwhile of course never stands still either and in its own developments this week has announced an expansion of the Dash instant order buttons in the UK and the launch of its Prime Wardrobe try before you buy service in the US.
Talking fashion, Boohoo has become the latest retailer to launch a locker pick-up option after partnering with InPost so that its customers can collect from the company’s 24/7 locker points in the UK.
Fellow fashion retailer Missguided meanwhile has partnered with Sorted to help deal with its international returns and improve the experience for its customers.
Also signing a new logistics contract for overseas is German home and living retailer Westwing which is expanding into Poland with the support of Clipper Logistics.
Meanwhile delivery firm Whistl has hired a new director of international to lead its own expansion abroad. There is little doubting the importance of overseas expansion and it’s something that’s a focus for retailers and suppliers alike as they look for growth.
And finally following our piece last week that suggested that many retailers are failing in the warehouse Eiratech Robotics argues the case for automation, in this week’s opinion piece.
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