John Lewis has extended it click-and-collect delivery and returns partnership with the Co-op.

The department store group said it would be making both click-and-collect delivery and returns services available in more than 500 Co-op stores before the end of the summer.

This would see the total number of John Lewis click-and-collect locations increase to nearly 900, double the number available currently in the UK.

John Lewis said the extension of the service was “part of the partnership’s plans to invest in digital capabilities and collaborations which make the shopping experience even more convenient for customers”.

The phased rollout of new locations will begin today and is expected to be completed by September.

Alongside the 505 Co-op stores, customers will also be able to access John Lewis click and collect at 50 department stores, 326 Waitrose branches and 12 Booths branches.

John Lewis executive director of operations Andrew Murphy said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a significant shift to online shopping and expect this trend to continue. As a result, we are dedicated to providing more choice when it comes to how our customers receive their purchases, helping our customers shop how and when they want us. This includes providing more locations for collection and returns for online shopping.

Co-op director of innovation and format Mark Matthews said: “With our stores located at the heart of local communities, choice, ease and convenience is at the very core of our approach. We continue to look for new ways to innovate and expand access to products and services conveniently – by working together we can offer further flexibility and choice to meet consumer needs locally.”