Speciality Food Magazine

Customers at Weeton's in Harrogate can now order their food via the web and pick it up in-store at their leisure. Although the concept of online shopping is nothing new, the scheme is particularly beneficial to small retailers who want to get involved in e-commerce, but don't have the means or funds to offer home delivery on a significant scale.

“It’s the perfect hybrid of internet and bricks and mortar retailing,” said Andrew Loftus, managing director. “Our customers like the convenience and speed of ordering online but they still want to feel part of their community and buy fresh produce locally,” he explained. The store incorporates a café, butchery, wine cellar, and has an extensive selection of local and regional foods.

“Now our customers have the ability to browse hundreds of shelves of deli produce from their own armchairs – they can be eating their favourite cured local meats, regional cheeses and handmade pies the same day, without waiting in for deliveries or queuing for hours at the till,” he added.

Over the last 18 months high-street giants including Homebase, Boots, Halfords and Argos have all jumped on the 'click and collect' bandwagon. Premium food retailers such as M&S, Waitrose and fine wine merchant Jeroboams have also started offering consumers the chance to shop remotely and pick up in-store. “Smaller businesses can't always compete with major companies that offer home delivery, so this allows niche operators to get in on the act too,” said e-commerce consultant Barry Hand. “This is why 'click and collect' schemes are ideal for delis like Weeton's,” he added.