Virtual supermarkets are the next big thing – after Tesco made headlines in June with its South Korean concept, nine of them have cropped up in subway stations across Shanghai run by the online Chinese grocer Yihaodian.

Shoppers are greeted with pictures of a range of goods on the walls of subway stations. They can scan the products with their mobiles, using QR code readers, and create a shopping list using an application downloaded on to their phone.

Depending on how efficient the delivery network is – and on where they live – it’s feasible that shoppers who ordered their food on the morning commute could receive it when they get home that evening.

There are predictably few signs of this coming to the UK, where there is no wireless on public transport and where delivery networks can be slower. Tesco’s stance on it is ‘never say never’ but wifi on the tube – and on transport networks across the UK – seems some way off. The grocer also points out UK shoppers can already use their mobile application to shop, without needing a shopping wall to scan.

Their South Korean idea is still just that – an idea, although they do have the technology to make it happen. It’s questionable whether the logistics would work for enough consumers in the UK. Getting to work on a packed train can be difficult enough without attempting to wave a mobile phone at a wall as well, but it’s an exciting idea and Yihaodian’s trials should be interesting.