November 2000

Sainsbury's is starting limited trials of the Homeport system of unattended home deliveries, under which a drop-box containing the goods is left attached to an "intelligent" anchor point outside the recipient's house.

According to Sainsbury's e-commerce director Angela Megson: "Being able to deliver shopping to customers whilst they are out is a major piece in the home shopping puzzle." She adds: "People using Homeport will be free of restraints on delivery time, which in turn will give our operation many more fulfilment options." Only ambient products are involved initially, although Sainsbury's says it is looking at ways of delivering chilled and frozen foods whilst maintaining food safety and quality. If testing proves successful a second phase involving both chilled and ambient foods will start in the New Year.