Technology and convenience are yet again working together to extend a helping hand to the busy consumer.

This time it is Waitrose supermarket providing a flexible shopping service to its customers by offering fully automated, temperature-controlled, grocery Click & Collect lockers across the transport network.

Using a computer, tablet or mobile phone customers will be able to access either the store’s website or app to place orders that will go on to be stored in ambient, chilled and frozen temperature-controlled lockers. Following the order a PIN code will be sent to the customer via text message that they can use to open the locker on collection.

Andrew Newton, Waitrose eCommerce Proposition Development Manager, said: “This reflects the changing way that our customers live and shop, with convenience a prime motivation for shoppers in the 21st century. One of the dominant trends in retailing is the growth of the ‘transumer’ – who wants to shop while they are on the go – and we hope this exciting innovation will appeal to those with busy lifestyles.”

The supermarket is trialling the online shopping service for 12 months, using third party locations at TfL London Underground Stations Chorleywood and Ickenham.  Eight more sets of lockers will launch at additional TfL Stations as well as Gatwick North and Gatwick South Terminal Long Stay Car Parks.

The lockers can be refilled several times in a day to allow for multiple customer orders. Delivery options for the Click & Collect locker service are the same as those already available for orders collected at Waitrose branches, and orders placed before 11.45am can be collected the next day.