LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - Britain's biggest departmentstore group, John Lewis, is to begin chargingcustomers using click & collect for low value items, the firstmajor UK retailer to do so, saying the current free service isunsustainable.
The employee-owned retailer said on Wednesday that from July28 online orders for products costing less than 30 pounds, fordelivery to John Lewis or sister firm's Waitrose stores, willincur a 2 pounds charge.
Orders over 30 pounds will remain free.
"The announcement reflects the unprecedented growth ofonline shopping across the whole retail industry and will ensurethat the service is fit for the long term," John Lewis said.
The firm noted it currently processes over 6 million click &collect orders a year, compared to 350,000 in 2008, the year theservice was launched.
Over the Christmas trading period the firm took more click &collect online orders than those which were for home delivery.
The popularity of the service has caused a logisticalheadache as the retailer has to move tens of thousands ofparcels every night, from its distribution centre to over 360collection points across the UK.
Analysts speculated that other retailers could also startcharging for the service.
"Given their weight in the market their move is bound to befollowed by others," said independent retail analyst Nick Bubb.
A spokesman for Marks & Spencer, Britain's biggestclothing retailer, said the firm had no such plans at present.
(Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Marks & Spencer (MKS)