Tesco thrives, Somerfield flops online
15 June 2000
Tesco thrives, Somerfield flops online
By FWi staff
ONLINE shopping has brought contrasting fortunes for two major supermarket chains.
Tesco – which claims to be the worlds No 1 online grocer – has announced it will increase from 100 to 300 the number of stores offering the service, reports the London Evening Standard.
But home shopping has proved a less successful venture for the Somerfield chain which will close its loss-making 24-7 home shopping operation in June, with a loss of 226 jobs.
They were said to be a distraction at a time the when the struggling chain is trying to revive its Somerfield and Kwik Save stores.
However, the groups fleet of vans will be used to expand home delivery from the stores.
Tesco shareholders were told on Thursday (15 June) that that sales in the first quarter of the current year were up 10.1%, in part driven by growing internet sales.
The store claims 500,000 registered customers for its online service, with 2500 new customers joining each week.