The Co-op to decide on online grocery within six months

The Co-operative Group chief information officer Andy Haywood has kickstarted a review of the group’s digital operations.

Haywood said that he wants “not just to catch up but go beyond” its rivals online. The review will cover the company’s entire multichannel operations including mobile.

Haywood joined the The Co-op from Boots where he was IT director in January and launched the retailer’s click and collect service.

He also launched Asda’s home shopping hubs while IT director at the Leeds-based grocer between 2002 and 2005.

The news comes as Morrisons mulls launching an online grocery offer. Chief executive Dalton Philips has said he will only launch the service if it can find a profitable model.

Haywood told Retail Week: “We will consider all options for an online grocery model. I have commissioned a strategic review of our digital proposition. The review will span our entire business from banking to food.”

He added a note of caution. “No decision have been made yet. This will not be a drawn out review because the market moves on every six months, this will be a pacey review,” he said.

Haywood cited the use of 90 minute delivery in its online delivery business as the standard for service it aimed to achieve in extending its business online.

He added: “Customers are wowed by that customer service and we have to continue that.”