Morrisons is deepening its relationship with Amazon by agreeing to host order collection lockers for the online giant in its stores.

Morrisons will install hundreds of Amazon Lockers at its supermarkets this year, enabling shoppers to pick up their online orders without the need to wait in at home.  Commenting on the deal, which could potentially drive significant extra footfall to Morrisons’ stores, Trevor Strain, the supermarket’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Many busy customers can’t wait at home for their delivery, and we believe the option to pick it up from one of our hundreds of conveniently located supermarkets will be attractive.”

The introduction of Amazon Lockers at Morrisons builds on the growing relationship between the two companies. In May, Morrisons began to supply thousands of grocery items that are now available to Amazon customers through its AmazonFresh service currently being rolled out in London, Amazon Pantry nationwide and Amazon Prime Now.

John Tagawa, Amazon’s Vice President of UK Operations, said: “We are delighted to introduce Amazon Lockers at Morrisons supermarkets. Amazon Lockers are the delivery option of choice for many customers who want to pick up their shopping at a time and place that suits them best. Morrisons supermarkets are ideal locations for Amazon Lockers which allow people to pick up their parcels while on the move.”

The move is part of Morrisons’ strategy to add useful services to its stores, helping differentiate it from the discounters and make its stores more attractive places to shop. Over the last 12 months, the chain’s in-store cafes have been improved and it has also partnered with Timpson to expand its dry cleaning, key cutting and shoe repair business.

There are currently more than 1,000 Amazon Lockers nationwide in locations ranging from petrol forecourts, convenience stores and shopping centres to universities, train stations, banks and airports.