Tesco is to expand its multi-channel offer as it aims to capitalise on the “new era for retailing”.

The grocer will double the number of stores with non food click-and-collect to 600 and widen the service to include both clothing, which will launch in July, and groceries.

Tesco group chief executive Philip Clarke told the BRC symposium that we are entering a new era for retailing built around the merging of online and offline channels.

He said: “We are in a new era of retailing, creating great opportunities and challenges for every retailer, and putting even more focus on consumer trust. Our big opportunity is to become a multichannel retailer – using our stores to support our online offer, and vice versa.”

Rival Sainsbury’s last week revealed it is expanding its click-and-collect service from 300 to 800 stores by the end of year.

Tesco will also further expand its online grocery shopping overseas. The grocer, which offers the service in Ireland and Korea, will launch the service in Prague this year and Warsaw next year. It also has plans for operations in  Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Budapest and Bratislava.

Clarke said the grocer is also focussed on developing new brands and building the right team.