Ikea is trialling self-serve lockers as it extends its partnership with Tesco to make collecting online orders easier and more affordable for customers.

The Swedish furniture giant is testing out the collection method at three supermarkets, including its Peterborough Werrington store. Lockers in Dereham and Cambridge will launch later this month.

The trial means customers within 100km of the self-serve collection point can order a wide range of Ikea products, from small items like Knoppäng picture frames to larger flat pack favourites such as Billy bookcases or Pax wardrobes.

Orders placed before 6:30am will be available from the same day, while any purchases made after eligible for collection the following day.

Ikea UK country customer fulfilment manager Jakob Bertilsson said: “We’re continuously exploring new ways to connect with our customers across the UK and this trial marks a significant milestone in our ambition to become even closer to our customers.

“We’re excited to extend our successful partnership with Tesco to bring these next-generation lockers to our customers in the Peterborough area and provide a range of services that are affordable, accessible and provide the best possible experience.”

Tesco assets and estates director Simon Williams added: “We’re pleased to be building on our existing partnership with Ikea to trial innovative ways of improving the shopping experience for Tesco and Ikea customers.

“Our Ikea manned click-and-collect points are already widely used with almost 100 in operation right across the UK, and we hope that these convenient and forward-thinking new automated lockers are just as well received.”

Last month, the furniture giant revealed it planned to open 100 more click-and-collect points at Tesco stores across the UK, which will mean over 90% of customers are within 5 miles of a collection point.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter