Drive-thru Supermarket

A new development for the age of convenience and impatience: the drive-thru supermarket. The concept is being trialled by Sainsbury's and Tesco in different locations. Shoppers can order their shopping online and then have it brought to them and packed into the boot of their car in the car park of their local store.

"This will be especially popular with busy mums who have the school run and children's activities to manage," say Tesco. "It also offers a solution to parents who want to avoid the challenge of shopping in a buy store with children in tow."

The cost of the service will be similar to that of the home delivery service. The biggest advantage of the drive-thru is that customers will no longer need to wait around at home to wait for their shopping to arrive within a time-slot of a few hours; they can go to the store, and pick up their pre-ordered food at their own convenience.

The trials are being held by Sainsbury's in Manchester and by rival conglomerates Tesco in Baldock, Hertfordshire.

Another trial idea involves a massive vending machine being accessible during the store's close hours, stocking everyday items such as bread and bottled water.