UK's Safeway Ends Online Shopping Trial

LONDON - British supermarket group Safeway Plc is terminating its online order and collect shopping service, Reuters reported today. Safeway had been testing the service in eight stores since earlier this year. Customers were able to order online and then pick up groceries from a local store.

The company is currently investing in revamping its store portfolio, and does not want to divert cash elsewhere, according to Reuters.

Other British food retailers who have scrapped online shopping include Somerfield and Budgens. All have felt the heavy competition posed by market leader Tesco, which claims to have a two-year lead over rivals with sales of 237 million pounds last year, Reuters reported.

J Sainsbury and Wal-Mart's ASDA are still competing with Tesco for a share of online sales.
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