Karen Collier
Herald Sun
May 15, 2013
GROCERY shopping is moving from the trolley to the tarmac.
Supermarket giant Woolworths today unveiled an online shopping collection service at Melbourne Airport in what is believed to be a world first.
Returning travellers can order their groceries up to a week in advance for collection at the site at the new public pick-up lane outside the Park Royal Hotel.
The cut-off ordering time for next day collection is 9pm the evening before.
Woolworths head of online business development Kate Langford said the innovation would take the hassle out of making a separate supermarket trip to re-stock the fridge or pantry after being away from home.
“We know that going to the supermarket after a family holiday, business trip or long day of travel can be a chore for many customers,” Ms Langford said.
“This service is a new way that we can help to make our customers’ lives that little bit easier by giving them a very convenient way to shop.
“Our customers are increasingly embracing online and mobile platforms as a convenient and hassle-free way to shop.”
Customers can walk in and grab their groceries or press a buzzer at a drive-through valet service.
The Click & Collect point will operate from 9am-9pm daily.
If flights are delayed beyond 9pm or cancelled, home delivery or another alternative will be arranged.
Pre-booked groceries will be delivered to the online shopping depot from nearby Woolworths supermarkets.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said the revolution was a first for an Australian airport, and believed to be the only one of its kind in the world.
The project will be trialled for six months. Woolworths will consider expanding it to other airports if it is successful.
Ms Langford said online grocery sales were growing 50 per cent annually.
Regular business traveller Jessica Stewart said the latest shopping option could be useful.
“Providing it is easy to get to and as long as there are no massive detours I might consider it. But you would have to be organised to use it,” Ms Stewart said.
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