International News - Safeway casts its Net over cities on US west coast

Safeway.com, in which Tesco has a 35 per cent stake, is to extend its service to the Seattle area. The e-tailer claims the push means it will overtake home shopping rival Albertsons in geographical coverage.

Safeway.com is to offer home shopping from five stores in the Seattle area, serving 34 neighbouring towns. A sixth store for picking will be opened in Seattle in August.

When the Seattle plan is complete, Safeway. com will be operational in eight US markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Safeway.com president, Mitchell Rhodes said: 'We're pleased to offer our full-service ordering and delivery option to busy Seattle shoppers.'