Asda Click & Collect

The app estimates the customer’s time of arrival at the collection point, either in store or in car parks.

Asda is launching a smartphone function to cut waiting times for its click & collect services.

The new function on the Asda.com mobile app allows customers to alert a store when they are on their way to collect their order.

Using location tracking it estimates the customer’s time of arrival at the collection point, either in store or in car parks.

The app sends the customer a notification which asks them to respond when they are on their way to the store.

As they make their way to the store staff are alerted when they are 10 minutes away, two minutes away and when they have entered the car park. Asda said the move would allow staff to have the order ready at the door for when the customer arrived and said it could on average save customers up to five minutes of waiting time.

The app began rolling out this week and Asda said it hoped to make the service available across 110 stores by the end of November.

“Customers always tell us they want ways to make shopping more convenient,” said Simon Gregg, Asda’s vice president of online grocery.

“For some, that means having the flexibility to collect their shopping as quickly as possible, at a time that suits them when they are out and about. This new functionality makes shopping with us easier and quicker than ever - meaning Asda customers can fit their shopping in between work or just enjoying the extra time with their friends and family.”