Following the success of its first dedicated home shopping picking center in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Asda unveiled the location of its second center, which will open in July 2010.Based in Enfield, North London, the center is located in an area currently underserved by Asda stores.
“Our aim is also to become Britain's favorite retailer across even more channels. That means extending our reach and helping customers order online, pick up in store or let us deliver to their door,” Bond said. “Our order online, collect in store service is already available nationwide, and our take home today trial in Bradford is performing well and is set to be extended to more stores later this year.
“All of our businesses are supported by a world-class customer engagement program that is taking advantage of the rise in social media to enable us to get even closer to our customers.”
Leveraging Walmart's Scale During the meeting, Asda executives also unveiled how the company plans to leverage Walmart's global scale, including the acquisition of International Produce Limited. Former Asda food director Nick Scrase has been appointed to head up the international food import business, which already employs more than 1,000 people across the world.
“Thanks to Walmart, we have a unique opportunity to remove middle men from the global supply chain to lower costs,” Bond said. “We believe that the creation of global merchandising centers, be that in food, non-food or apparel, will enable us to save our customers money."