The grocer will be the first of Wal-Mart’s overseas businesses to migrate onto the US giant’s global e-commerce platform as the world’s largest retailer guns for a big uplift in online sales.
Asda multichannel director Tony Prescott said: “The global web platform will then be rolled out to the 14 countries in the Wal-Mart empire.”
By the end of this summer, Asda will offer 750,000 products for purchase online, including all general merchandise products sold in its stores.
Customers will be able to order products online or by phone and pick them up in any store free of charge. Alternatively, they can opt for home delivery for a charge.
By the end of the summer, Asda will launch new general merchandise categories online, including toys and baby products, as well as 20,000 clothing products from its George at Asda range.
The grocer’s online non-food sales are increasing by about 200 per cent year on year, while its online grocery business is growing by 50 per cent a year. By 2010, Asda will sell more than 1 million SKUs online.
An Asda spokeswoman said: “By 2011, our grocery and non-food online business combined will be turning over in excess of£1 billion.”
The retailer is also moving towards a full roll-out of Asda Direct, its combined online, catalogue and store offer, following a successful trial in four stores.
Asda is searching for a new distribution centre to fulfil Asda Direct orders. It will launch its first 1,000-page catalogue in time for Christmas, featuring more than 10,000 products.
Asda executive director John Longworth has left the grocer as a result of a Wal-Mart reorganisation of its boardroom structure in the UK.
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