Sainsbury’s is to roll out its click and collect service to 800 stores by Christmas.

The service, which allows shoppers to pick up non-food items ordered online from its stores, is currently available in 300 stores. This will be expanded to 400 by June and 800 by Christmas.

Chief executive Justin King said at its interim results that it wanted the group’s non-food division to grow to 45% of total sales by 2020, up from around 25% today.

“General merchandise is a key area of focus for Sainsbury’s, and we’re enjoying growth rates of 20% in some areas,” said Helen Buck, director of convenience.

More than a third of non-food online orders are currently coming through click and collect, she added, showing that consumers often prefer to pick up their goods from a nominated store rather than wait at home for a delivery.

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